Second of all, apologies for the long post, I have been reading and listening to podcasts and I guess I just have a ton of questions, so please point me to any prior content if this has already been covered.Since I am in the San Francisco area and need some time to determine the best way to come up with my down payment, I thought I would "learn my market" but first I need to pick a market and would appreciate your feedback.Based on the podcasts and posts I have reviewed so far, it seems to me that I have a couple of choices:1) Go a few hours from SF and start there.

The agents might not have a choice if motivated buyers are out there searching for houses on their own.

If it's a flip I believe gas would be a better choice to invest in.

You'll need to take moisture meter readings after the leveler has dried.A LVT click lock floor would be your best choice;something that floats over the floor, doesn't require adhesive and isn't affected by moisture.

It was not my peers in the same boat, it was people and services with the means.I believe being late to the game, experiencing the results of poor choices, gave me an immense appreciation for those that are able to help raise others up and gave me the strong desire to become such a person myself, within the community.The way I see it, this business is a means to an end, to be of service.

I gave the seller a choice of a fast cash offer with no contingency and close in 1 week, OR a higher offer with owner financing secured by prom. note and deed against the house (he owns it free and clear).

I acknowledge that buyer has not rendered any advice with regard to my choice and ultimate decision with regard to bankruptcy.

Would a retail conventional mortgage be a better choice?

I'd like to narrow down my location search but I'd also like information to back up my choice. 

In truth we didn't have much choice because of the product type and not doing a subdivision or condo map it was tough to find financing for three units that didn't run up against lending limits.