You're welcome @Adrian Rice.

@Pam Rice @Kyle Hipp @Joel Owens Some really helpful suggestions - I think I'll pursue both, the city and the insurance path after I try to contact the owner myself one last time.

Not yet really.The past year prices where ricing fast.

Curious as to the outcomes of @Trevor Rice and @Justin McGill -- Do they actually limit your leads like @Ricky Listman said? 

Mitch,If your driving will be minimal, you may want to look into this option..http://www.zipcar.com/rice/

The parts are being shipped in.Chances are that that rice burner the guy down the street drives is more of an American car than your GM.

(Hell, we all hit the genetic lotto to be born into a situation where we're not working 12 hours a day for a bowl of rice, or subject to the whims of a warlord, or just hoping for clean water to drink.

I'll let someone else get caught up in the beans and rice small talk but I am creating something huge and don't want my focus to be on the small stuff.

Welcome @Ben Rice It is hard to make number works in the bay area. you can buy if you are buying here you are buying for appreciation. 

Then live off rice and beans.You should still be able to house hack your first investment and roll that on to next as you learn the ropes.If you feel you arent earning enough to do this read more of Mr Money Mustache.If you have other complaints, read even more of Mr Money Mustache.