Appraisals with Realtors involved (purchase transactions) come in consistently higher, in part, because at this stage in the game, wise Realtors know that if they spoon-feed the appraiser the data they need to do their jobs for them, that helps the appraiser get the job done faster, which amounts to the same thing as a bribe (in terms of $ per hour of work, this is "here I'll save you a few hours"), without being a direct monetary bribe or running afoul of the law.

It's all a game of solving problems, and making things work no matter what your career is.Recently wrote a post about getting started, but check it out below:https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

New home construction is not a game of perfect.

If you don't want to pay capital gains on the sale, you need to settle by the 3 year mark.LAST - Want a less expensive way to the play the Amazon game? 

Using those capital funds for a SFH that you plan to live in and rent out an in law unit to help pay off your mortgage might not be bad idea but I agree that that route might not be the best use of your capital.I have investments in Sacramento and as @Nicholas Cook mentions, the west coast is more of an appreciation game rather than cash flow.

Stocking up on games and maybe game tables for those times when they are at the house.

Of course but it's definitely a game of patience and persistence to find a deal in this current market.

Nonetheless I appreciate the time and the feedback and I’m game if you care to elaborate any further as well...

They will want you to have some skin in the game.

Look back later see what it sold for and see what your number was compared to see if you were even in the game.