We share a number of things in common - I'm also an engineer by day, have most of my real-estate investment locally in buy/hold multi-family, and have a similar set of goals to those you articulated. 

I won't share it it (anti-trust concerns) but I'll be happy to make a proposal for anyone doing SFR in one of our cities nationwide.

Also, what language do you use in a sale that gets the same message along... that the seller wants to make it clear that he just doesn't want to make any unnecessary repairs or give credits for obvious upgrades?

So I'm assuming all title insurance takes care of any outstanding liens like I shared? 

BP had a great post on this last year, shared by @Brandon Turner BP Portfolio LoansGood luck!

Share the success story on your first property, everyone would love to hear it.

Thank you for sharing. 

@James JonesIn order to get an answer, you need to share some information.1) Was this home your primary residence?

Account Closed great post thanks for sharing.

I would wait for the next major downturn if you are wedded to investing here, however, I think it would be good for your to at least consider to sell some now and diversify.I've posted this bit elsewhere and I'll share it again:I live in Silicon Valley, and I'm an investment advisor who specializes in real estate.