(Buy and hold) additionally would like to flip houses along the way.

We have 2 new additions to the family on the way and need more space but, I can't justify buying another house here during the bubble.

As a newbie myself, I have an additional question as I am deciding on my target areas too.I hear a lot about property tax rates when realtors are trying to sell properties.

In addition, depending on the broker you choose, you could spend a monthly fee to be part of their firm.

The compressor and heat pump all but quit working and won't heat the unit over 65 degrees (even after doing preventative work on them while it was vacant).

In addition, building of new commercial property, etc. and raising levels of lots will also affect the flood elevations and zones.

These have to be inspected for bank financing, again if you ever plan on selling, and these wells can get really sticky depending on when they were installed, if there has been and unauthorized additions to the house and whether it is in full working order.

@Melvin Yuen is right about rent control in Oakland, in addition to SF and Berkeley - in addition to all sort of other tenant protections such as 'just cause' eviction protections and other tenant rights.

We put two other properties up as additional collateral to get the original loan on the property.

As of now, home sellers will have to pay additional taxes on short sale.