Let's say now I bought a multi-family that produces $300/mo after expenses and I add that to my $1,000/mo that I "pay myself".

I also charge 75% more for cleaning (than what my cleaners charge me) so I end up with a healthy surplus that easily covers any linen/dish damage that is not claimed. 

Also, some advise is that you will find its hard to produce the necessary debt/income ratio to make a duplex ever work unless its fairly cheap - this happens because you are taking up 50% of the building gross income potential by living there. 

I know there are probably other details that might be needed and I'll produce those to help paint the investment picture for you.

High producing salesmen might be on a 80/20 split.

I do believe some regulation is healthy for start up competition in the long run, but west coast cities are really dependent on Apple/Google/Facebook/Amazon etc for stability right now.

It's not a healthy environment anyway.

Most of the advice pertaining to investing locally is discouraging but a healthy dose of reality.

By doing so, we gain the benefit of power in numbers, giving more work for the companies that produce quality work, and straightening our relationships for personal security and our investors. 

it is not healthy dude.If you do not agree with what I said, that is fine.