I live in San Diego and wouldn't invest anywhere else but Houston (well soon PHX and Vegas simply because Houston stock is having a hard time keeping up :)Cody

Ask them if they may be interested in investing, know the gains and security vs the stock market or bank where there money most likely is. 

I am not a certified planner but I have been an inventory in stocks, real estate and notes for a while now and would be willing to sit down and share my knowledge.  25 years of stocks 15 years of Master limited partnerships6 years of Real estate3 years notesMy contact info is in my profile and I have nothing to sell so there is not pitch, just offering to help.

Lots of duplex housing stock and the area is still pretty affordable after the bubble.

Also is REI a good choice at a young age if I'd miss out on the compounding of the stock market?

Looking to move some savings out of the stock market and into real estate.

I currently have a good chunk of cash and have access to other funds in stocks and 401k.

Base your renovations on that instead of what is on HGTV or in the IKEA catalog.Over renovating for rentals is very easy to do.Renters like nice houses, but don't put as much stock in it as buyers do.  

If you aren't at least beating the stock market, the reward isn't worth the risk.4.

What kind if return are you predicting?