@Andrew JaquezI think what you're missing is... there will be lots of other expenses, and there is a 0% chance you will cash flow that much.It sounds like you've been going there in person to look at properties - is that right?  

I put some numbers below into this Rent or Sell calculator.https://www.narpm.org/members/resources/rent-vs-sell-calculator/ESTIMATES ON ROI (15 year time frame)at 5% Appreciation would profit $100K if SELL nowat 6% Appreciation would have $3,500K more if KEEP and sell after 15 yearsat 7% Appreciation would profit 122K if KEEP and sell after 15 years(Assuming a conservative 6% ROI on money invested from sale.)NOTE: The property appreciated 10% in the last year so I’m thinking 7% over the next 10-15 is reasonable.DETAILSSale Value: $520,000 (Best guess)Paid: $437,000Original Mortgage: $415,000Mortgage Balance: $380,000Interest: 3.375%Monthly mortgage: $2,899Mortgage Difference: $1064Annual Taxes, Insurance, HOA etc**: $20,345**$13,865 (Non Homestead tax) $4,680 (HOA) $1,800 (Landlord Insurance)Monthly Rental Charge $3,500*Appreciation 7%Years to Hold: 15More assumptions used in ROI Estimates Above90% occupancy,15% capital gains charge6% selling feeRate of return on gains if selling now instead 6%Annual maintenance 1%Annual rent increase 4%$3,500 is slightly aggressive. unlikely I could get more.Thanks in advance for any constructive thoughts and comments!!!!

If you have ever heard the saying you have to be in the game to win the game, I have found that you have to look for properties constantly to find the deal you want, but along the way you find a lot of other properties, that if you had your real estate license you could have made money on. 

We held an in-person meeting over 6 months into the project to express our concerns with the timeline and to request weekly check-in calls.

I put some numbers below into this Rent or Sell calculator.https://www.narpm.org/members/resources/rent-vs-sell-calculator/ESTIMATES ON ROI (15 year time frame)at 5% Appreciation would profit $100K if SELL nowat 6% Appreciation would have $3,500K more if KEEP and sell after 15 yearsat 7% Appreciation would profit 122K if KEEP and sell after 15 years(Assuming a conservative 6% ROI on money invested from sale.)NOTE: The property appreciated 10% in the last year so I’m thinking 7% over the next 10-15 is reasonable.DETAILSSale Value: $520,000 (Best guess)Paid: $437,000Original Mortgage: $415,000Mortgage Balance: $380,000Interest: 3.375%Monthly mortgage: $2,899Mortgage Difference: $1064Annual Taxes, Insurance, HOA etc**: $20,345**$13,865 (Non Homestead tax) $4,680 (HOA) $1,800 (Landlord Insurance)Monthly Rental Charge $3,500*Appreciation 7%Years to Hold: 15More assumptions used in ROI Estimates Above90% occupancy,15% capital gains charge6% selling feeRate of return on gains if selling now instead 6%Annual maintenance 1%Annual rent increase 4%$3,500 is slightly aggressive. unlikely I could get more.Thanks in advance for any constructive thoughts and comments!!!!

Also - I am a very analytical person; scientist by profession. 

The discount may not be obviously apparent, or may require some work to realize, but that is where the money is made. 

I know that myself, as a buyer, if I cannot walk the property then I am either going to pass or offer far less money to account for what it is I may not be able to see.

It sounds like an ideal moment to either plow some more money into savings or seek private funding.Perhaps if you find a modest flip you can infuse cash into your system in a hurry and build your network at the same time?

Hi Lisa - I am far from an expert on CA, but on the income I personally have a premium AirDNA subscription and start there.