That way you will at least keep your head in the game, note future neighborhoods to invest in (or not invest in) for yourself and possibly learn some good valuable information from the investor you could be bird dogging for.

As a kid that grew up similar in that we got paid to work at home, kept accounting ledgers of money in and out and became entrepreneurial in nature looking for "business" in the neighborhood I don't think there is anything to worry about.

Now if you go to an auction in a $100K neighborhood and you expect an investor to pay $50K at the auction and you are the only one there and you can get it for $5K, ignore everything I said and buy it.

I'm not as familiar with the city as many are on here, I've always used other people's knowledge, but you can get a lot of help on these forums as far as best neighborhoods, etc.

This duplex is in a good neighborhood, probably 8 out of 10max.Good (9 out of 10max) K-8 school.In better parts of CA, I think it is hard to get 10 cap.

The ones I have seen are really not my style.

In my immnediate neighborhood, a 2 br goes for about 700-750/month.

I had a thought of put together a "bank" that does secured loans to my properties and HM style loans with extra cash.

Buying newer homes in nicer neighborhoods gives a much stronger chance for strong appreciation.

I live in an 1920s mini CA Tudor style stucco house.