When it comes to a lifestyle property, it's another ball game and all the comments you wrote make total sense, especially for people who like similar things in life.

There are rules and situations unique to each state and that is why you want to go with a local lender vice someone just reaching out to you telling you they can do it. 2) Better recourse if the lender screws something up: a local lender has more skin in the game so to speak as if they screw something up their name will be mud to local real estate agents in the deal.

Within a year, the property was cash flow positive and had appreciated significantly.For you, I’d suggest:Look into ADU laws - They’re a game-changer in San Diego, especially if your partner is handy with renovations.Expand your market - @Dan H. makes a great point - it's a competitive market here!

Commercial is a totally different ball game than residential, so connecting with a commercial broker will definitely make your life easier.

Try again in 2026.It's a long game.

Since this approach relies primarily on true documentation rather than estimates, it is typically the most accurate.

More than happy to connect and strategize game plans any time.

Yes true, but i dont want to invest into more houses for many reasons, in the state of NJ/NY and many more states tenants can get away with years of not paying rent, also they trash the house not all tenants  but some do. 

With actual cash, you just transfer it. yes, but you can still bid with lender approval - without appraisal contingency - you send in deal (app), it gets approved by lender its functionally the same as cash (except in true lightning speed situations where there is a quick auction with little time to prep but thats generally pretty rare I'd think)Right, but that's not cash or functionally the same as cash because the lender can change the terms at the last minute, as often happens with less experienced hard money lenders.

But that’s the game we play.