You will find plenty of other people in your exact position - CA, NY, or HI residents who need to look outside their own inflated markets.

A lease option puts you in position of principal.

However, I have a lot of experience and if you're just starting out you should assume you'll mess up the first few deals you do.Also, I'm in a position where I want to transition to being less active so I'm slowly transitioning into things like Syndications, Funds and REITS.

It’s hard to do sometimes but you want to spend your time with a positive mindset and moving forward.

Even with this prices, some triple deckers in the areas you mentioned still positively cash flow while smaller single condos may run at at a loss, depending on the terms.

That’s a tough bit for some people to swallow but if it gives you positive cash flow it will put a little extra money in your pocket as you are rehabbing the new property.The thing about your posting that really struck me was your comment about being out of a job in the next few years.

The way to clear up the title is by filing a "Quiet Title" Action. 

I took action..now what?

Again, that's my position, marketing, speaking will sellers, setting up viewings, negotiating, tracking leads etc.

I decided this would be a good order to do so because as an agent I can learn how the market works and apply that knowledge to my future investments.I've observed the BP community for a while, and I can really see how positive it is!