Those are the platforms I would use and build my strengths upon to achieve my goals.

Often, service of notice to vacate papers (terms will vary in different states) will achieve the desired result (voluntary move-out) with minimal expense.

As it's well-known, it's very difficult to achieve something near the 2% rule in markets like Honolulu and the Bay Area so having a large factor like HOA fees out of our control increases our anxiety about condos being our first purchase.Although we are apprehensive about entering a RE market with such high entry prices, we are even more apprehensive about investing remotely (only other market we are interested in is the SF Bay Area, where both of our families are).

Paying it is a cost of acquisition paid out of closing, if it's not disclosed on the HUD or settlement statement then it is a violation, it also throws your tax filings off, it throws the depreciation off, it causes tax issues and violates settlement procedures.The birddog gets nailed for collecting it under the conditions mentioned.Why not put your birddog in your LLC, a limited member or employee and pay them for work accomplished, close in the LLC name and declare the cost on your books.There are usually viable alternatives to achieving a mission legally and ethically with just a bit more attention and effort. :)

In your case, with a family, I'd say the duplex will achieve the same thing.

If you're not sure, then what are you trying to achieve?

Come up with a plan on what it takes to achieve the goal.

Is that achievable within a few hundred miles of SF?

You can have great success but it is not about doing one and ignoring another to achieve ultimate success you should simultaneously be doing both.

With high house prices and high property taxes, most houses in the area cannot achieve cash positive.