As is, Corelogic reports the #1-3 locations in the nation with the highest average profits ( cash flow+equity gains) since 2000 are LA, SF and SD so there is that picture painted in the background.

My plan was to hire a property manager but I'm having a lot of trouble finding one I trust.

Both BankNewport and Freedom National are portfolio lenders so don't need to conform to the federal agencies, i.e. their underwriting standards are not as strict.

That's an 8% cap rate, which isn't bad at all for office/industrial (nationally).

Its all about TRUST, the more you build up front, the easier it is in the future.

Hi @Eli M. if you go to the National Association of Realtors website you can find the "Code of Ethics and Standard of Practice"  its an 8 page pdf.

I pay attention to market trends both nationally and locally.

Paragraph 6 of the standard deed of trust has an out for unforeseen circumstances, but talking/thinking/writing/etc about it months ahead of time makes it pretty clear that "unforeseen" does not describe this scenario.

You should have a promissory Note and a Mortgage/Deed Of Trust on the property....the mtg gets recorded.

You'd have to have a strong personal relationship for someone to trust you with their money to run a job on your own.