However, if your father inherits and later transfers the home, it should qualify for a step-up in basis to fair market value, reducing future tax liability.If the goal is to tap into equity, having the trust take out a HELOC may be a better option, avoiding California Prop 19 reassessment, which could raise property taxes significantly.

RedFin shows -7.5% Y/Y for townhouses and -11.3% Y/Y for condos, both of which have much smaller transaction values and therefore, IMHO, make the 2.2% January 2025 (overall) price increase in Russell's info graphic more plausible. 

Before getting started, I’d recommend focusing on three key areas:Strategy Selection – Understand the different investment strategies (BRRRR, short-term rentals, etc.) and determine which aligns best with your goals.Market Research – Study the market you want to invest in, including property values, rental demand, and economic trends.Laying the Foundation – Take proactive steps now that will set you up for success later.

Adding value can be as simple as answering a forum with your knowledge and experience!

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

Our ability to offer cash and close quickly gave us an edge, allowing us to secure the property under market value and position it for a seamless resale.

Quote from @Spencer Douglas: I regret writing this bad review, BUT I HAVE TO.

Lenders assume more risk with a higher loan-to-value, so to compensate they'll charge more in points, loan level price adjustments, etc. 

How did you add value to the deal?

For a condo you can/should check the county assessor for land value  (you would apply the same allocation %, don't use their actual number listed) Also check your HOA documents.