@Trey GoodwinFor flipping, the only "bad" areas are the D-class and war zone areas, but even those areas are attractive to some buy & hold investors, so you can flip a turnkey to another investor.If you stick with B-class areas and above, there truly isn't a bad area in the entire Metroplex.  

The cap rate at current rents was something near 5.75%-6% and cash on cash was not attractive either given the $ needed to spend on the first day, etc.  

As I stay committed I am hoping to attract others who remember somebody helped them.  

In Cook county, it could be awhile before the owners are out and that makes that home extremely less attractive.  

Whose at fault and whose Wallet pays for the obvious water damage repair that will be needed to be done now.

Which style are You naturally attracted to.  

Really good discussion, I have found that its best to give people the freedom to do what they want, people change their minds a lot but ultimately if you stay focused on your own business you only attract what is good for you.

I am in the Snoqualmie Valley and there are some auction properties that look very attractive. 

that will leave a mark on your wallet. isn't any water coming up through the floor?

Chris NA all you need to do is explore a market you're familiar with in the Bay Area with the correct fundamentals: jobs, high-income earners, attractive school districts, growing population ect.,  buy one of the lower-end homes in the area and put some money and sweat equity into it to make it a winner!