Fundamentally, to the extent of my knowledge, the Bay will still thrive and grow for a long time to come.But the question of: "Is the cost of living in the Bay so high compared to the rest of the country (maybe historically, or just the affordability index) that it is now a very attractive option for a ton of people to start moving elsewhere?  

Hard money is really expensive compared to conventional financing, but does allow alot of flexibility.  

To be more successful, you simply have to work on the other elements to progress your REI pursuit.

Thank you all - I have been a landlord for a single family home and that was so easy compared to this. 

To be more successful, you simply have to work on the other elements to progress your REI pursuit.

You already have some tools in your toolbox....no pun intended.Now, you simply have to work on the other elements to progress your REI pursuit.Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categoriesREI books suggested by BPershttp://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Increase in Family Size - A borrower may be eligible for another house with an FHA-insured mortgage if the borrower provides satisfactory evidence thatThe has had in increase in legal dependents and the property now fails to meet the family’s needs; andThe loan-to-value (LTV) ratio on the current principal residence is equal to or less than 75% or is paid down to that amount, determined by comparing the outstanding mortgage balance to a current residential appraisal.Vacating a jointly-owned Property - A borrower may be eligible for another FHA-insured mortgage if the borrower is vacating (with no intent to return such as divorce, legal separation, etc...) the principal residence which will remain occupied by the existing co-borrower.

You can buy a heater element fairly cheap online.

To be more successful, you simply have to work on the other elements to progress your REI pursuit.

With higher end properties in say a mid west market were Curt is remember you can buy BRAND new construction for 140 to 160k a door this is what buyers will compare to your 20 YO house thats been a rental.. to get retail value you would need a major renovation.I have been doing some renovation deals in the mid west last 3 years and you have to totally dial them in to get anywhere close to an appraised ARV or what you think is retail.. and I mean totally ... buyers in these markets have an over abundance of choices.. you may find that TINY pocket that is hot but other than that I think my statement is pretty accurate based on my personal experience in the mid west marekt place since 2002.