Rehabs could throw curve balls.

A crystal ball would be helpful in making the latter choice.

Owners were low balled by another wholesaler so we offered them more and it made them happy.

Get the ball rolling so it can just continue to grow. 

Doing is a different ball game than saying!

I've been managing properties for close 8 years, so while I am humble enough to know I have plenty to learn (part of why I'm on BP), I certainly wouldn't say I have "obviously limited experience".I suggest you calm your approach - this is supposed to be a helpful place not a biggest balls contest.

Low ball your occupancy rate to give yourself some a buffer then minus your overhead.

I do not have a crystal ball, but I have been investing for 17 years in CA and out of state, and the most money I have made is in CA.

That would let you add more units without losing the ones you currently have.You could try to do a 1031 exchange to avoid paying the capital gains on half of the sale but I can tell you from personal experience that it’s very stressful to try to do a 1031 in this market.No one has a crystal ball as far as which areas will appreciate more or less.

They should be able to give you a ball park idea on how much it will rent and how long typically it take to get rent out.