I never thought about saving first before investing  :/  Ironically enough I found "Building Wealth One House At A Time" on Amazon shortly after and had no idea it was also associated with Bigger Pockets.

If I do that, I would come out of pocket less due to refinancing LTV but monthly income would be about $300 a month less than if I keep it a duplex.

I see some people overpaying for properties in my area too but I chalk some of it up to someone inexperienced dying to just get into the game. 

Hello everyone my name is Edwin manning i currently live in the Modesto Ca area and i'm about 5 days new to the Bigger pockets site and would love any help navigating.

This is my first time posting on Bigger Pockets. 

If not you will end up as just another faith investor.With the value pushing up into the $600K range your rents are far too low and need to be ajusted upward or as I stated you will need to sell to maintaine the returns on your equity.Unfortunatly the majority of CA seemes to be a losing investment market for cash flow so inevitably you will need to either get out or heavily supliment your tenants rent out of your own pocket.

You have to find that sweet-spot where any rehab work you do puts money in your pocket and is not money down the drain.I know markets where adding granite countertops won't get you $1 more in price (although it may sell faster) and other markets where granite adds a lot of value and it is hard to sell it without.  

Purchase price: $99,000 Cash invested: $26,000 Sale price: $149,000 First flip home in great investment pocket of Amarillo. $24K profit.

I love the community that is Bigger Pockets!

Have them in your pocket for the future and the present.