I am not an attorney, simply an Associate Broker, but I would be happy to help explain any questions you may have about the Contract!

For instance, my wife is a degreed Interior Designer with tons of experience in renovations.

Trusts and LLCs owning property must be protected for other risks beyond the usual property and liability risks associated with home ownership.

Short term rentals have been around a long time and for people with smaller portfolios, it usually makes more sense to get the right personal policy that permits short term rentals, especially for a condo because there are coverages like loss assessment coverage that is needed to dovetail your coverage with the associations policy.  

Things to consider:-I need to be in a city, walking distance to a business district of some kind-I'd like to follow a path of progress within a city, and don't mind being close to (but not within) sketchier areas-a market where the average 3 bed 2 bath sells for under *ideally* 250k, but up to 350k (I'll be looking for a property that needs work, but this sort of market)-must be SF no association-I'm 31, single/no kids.

Or if I have a client who wants to look in the county next to mine as well, I would do a referral to an agent who knows that area better (it may also be a different realtor association and mls that I don't have easy access to). 

There is usually a limit associated with each lending program, but you should be able to ask for something.

Simond - For housing and real estate, I check out the monthly/weekly stats from our local realtor association/MLS to keep an eye on stats and changes.For business and real estate, our local business journal is really great for keeping tabs on our local economy, employment numbers, companies moving in/out, and commercial real estate.On a national level? 

Plus, as stated before, my current company will pay for me to get the degree, as long as I finish within the next 2 years.

With this strategy, you are getting some degree of cash flow day one, which can protect your principal in the event of some downturn in the market.