Buying a property at a huge discount and renting it at a positive cash flow from day one is relatively low risk.

I live in the Tri-Valley (san ramon, dublin, pleasanton) and would like to start out as close to home as possible but home prices are still relatively high.

I think one can blame gas, or the age of the baby boomers, or the general economy but whatever you want to blame, RVing is down.

We at biggerpockets are a pretty diverse group as far as background, education, geography, market focus and age, but also potically and socially.

On the other hand, if they can see you have a pile of cash in the bank or other assets, they may well try to get you to make up the difference.A related action that can happen is to be given a 1099 for the shortage.

Typically, they will be involved with local RE related legislation and major cases.

Problem is, I don't think you've got much appreciation of this (you used the words 'play with in a market'...)With this kind of capital at a young age you've literally got the world ahead of you.

We are a middle-aged couple and so far only experienced in buying homes for ourselves to live in.

Plus I think they are relatively close to you (Riverside).

As to the age, it is only a number, nothing more nothing less.