I had a homeless person living in one of the basements that I had to contend with.

Otherwise, you will have to contend with the fact (or not so fact) that you are poor (maybe not) and cannot afford the VIP treatment.The preying coaches awaits in the sidelines.

The cost to live in the bay area is a lot higher and prices reflect living and operating in this area.You also have to contend with the fact that this is a popular place for people to be flipping properties, so there is a bigger demand for people to be working.

I'm pretty sure they're a high ranking contender for % of leads on my 2013 sales volume.I've been an agent for 1 year, and I just became broker.

The downside is that you will now have a monthly mortgage note to contend with. 

I contend that if you are planning to hold for under 5 years, you are in fact a long term flipper, not a buy&hold investor.- Leveraged appreciation (the way Nate considers it) is not just paper profit, is like virtual paper profit.

Every place has something you will need to contend with.  

In your shoes ... well, I'd not be contending with 1.5m of snow, but that's another story...  

However, how does one generate positive cashflow when one must contend with heating large houses, the upkeep of old and large Victorian Homes and rehabbing them?

You are an instant contender for my First Annual Weekly Funny Funny Comments Award Show™.