Account Closed Like you I live in California (SF Bay Area) but as you said the California coast market is very expensive and does not have a very good rent ratio.I chose to invest in Houston in 2008/2009 and have managed to get good cash flow with decent appreciation.

I was stationed in SC on the coast and have contacts for that area if your ever interested.

We'd really like to buy a duplex or triplex in the Arvada, Lakewood, Golden or western Westminster areas.

I'm an engineer from the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  

@Joe Rinella congrats on taking some smart steps to researching your markets, but don't be blinded by the difference in Central/Western MA comparisons to Boston Metro. 

If you guys know of any towns on the east coast with lots of row houses and a somewhat lively downtown, even if very small, let me know.Let's say, hypothetically, I had 80k to use in savings, made 80k a year and had good credit (700+).

You can use the proceeds from that nicely appreciated Western Slope property and invest is less expensive properties that may cash flow better and be closer at hand to manage.1031 is a federal statute so the mechanism and requirements are the same no matter the geography.  

Also do not just limit yourself to Miami Dade and Broward, there are many opportunities on both coasts from Naples to Tampa Bay and from Miami to Dayton Beach.Best select a couple of neighborhoods and learn them well so you will now a deal when you see one before someone else does.Looking forward to hearing from you.William

A buddy and I are talking about building a few tiny houses and using them as vacation rentals along the Texas coast.

My area of Western NY does not license general contractors other than in the actual city of Buffalo.