Its ironic Brian and I's backgrounds mirror each other ... other than I am about a decade older LOLWe both have strong North bay Ties..

Newer properties, strong rental income, lower vacancy rates.

Stong homes=Strong buyers.   

Most of the easy "lipstick on a pig" transformations are gone - you're often looking at more serious rehabs to make the numbers work.That said, we do have some advantages: strong rental market (lots of students, young professionals), still relatively affordable deals, and good appreciation potential in many neighborhoods.

I book marginal candidates in between strong ones to create a scarcity mentality. 

Sounds like you are in a pretty strong financial position.

Having a strong understanding of your "walk away" price (maximum you're willing to pay) gives you leverage and prevents emotional decisions. 

If you can't perform to the new standard were setting, I strongly suggest stepping back and hiring one of us who are setting this new standard. 

Stay strong!

The winds were so strong and fire so hot there were cars turned upside down in driveways, and then melted.The bottom line is that 100 mph winds combined with dry grass and just about any ignition source is unstoppable once it gets going.