I know it's tempting to ride the train, and I'm definitely a passenger riding with my duplex, but my biggest downside for me is that I'm stuck living in the duplex a few extra years, with my roommate and tenants paying the rent.  

I bought this as a value add that was half empty and only have one small space left to lease.I am looking at a small 4400 sq ft building that is in the heart of downtown Scottsdale. 

I believe with all of my heart that people can do great things when they come together with a positive attitude and vision in mind.

That area is affordable, however it's critical to have some one who is savvy , and  have your best interset at heart ,since you are planning on investing long distance. 

You are giving it to them out of the goodness of your heart they are not obligated to it. 

It's not for the faint of heart. 

This makes their renewal cycle in the heart of warm months.

Some of the things you see in the court are heart-breaking but you have to understand you are running a business and not a charity.

John, I am not too familiar with the official definition of war zones, I have always assumed an area is a war zone if:(1) As I drive through it, all the passengers in the car have a sudden desire to lock their doors...(2) You wish you have a weapon with you, if not, one of those "club wheel locks" you had back in the 80s might help a little...the female passengers finger through their purse to check for their mace or pepper spray.(3) You pray your car doesn't break down, you would never stop to fill your gas tank even if your dash says your gas tank is empty.(4) You check how many bars your cell phone has, you pre-dialed "911" just stop short of pressing "CALL".If some of the above are true I call it a war zone.

A buildable lot in SF is closer to $500,000.So yeah, not for the faint of heart.