(I recently saw an article in Forbes talking about the Bay Area’s shifting market) And if you aim to hold properties long term, keep your eyes on towns around the Bay that have had consistent rent growth.Here in my home market of Phoenix, I see investors branching out to places like Austin, Chicago, and even Omaha from what Ive heard because they recognize how trends can shift quickly.

Verifying last 2 years of rental history very important!

There is risk with any investment, anywhere, but airbnb does well here - if you buy the right place.Locations: this is important.

This is very important. 

Basis is extremely important in these entities and if audited can and will come into question. 

Its even more important that it is a great deal if you are going to be  a drawing card for others to put in their money.

It is also important to consider the transactional fees associated with originating the HELOC, whether an appraisal is required etc.

Once you feel you've built a strong team with your first property and have solid systems in place, I would then start buying more aggressively and taking on bigger projects.I suggest reading this BP article on the core 4.https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/core-four-real-estate-team

By 2030, we want to have grown a portfolio of over 100 units, created a property management company that manages an additional 100-200 units, and, finally (and most importantly), we will have established a non-profit that is focused on quality, affordable housing that specializes in providing housing and resources at/on the "services cliff" alongside financial counseling and first-time home buyer education in our target area.Our target area is the Springfield, MA and Hartford, CT areas with dreams to expand to Central Massachusetts (Worcester, MA), Southern New Hampshire (Nashua, NH), and Southern Connecticut (New Haven, CT).Would love to meet up with likeminded individuals in our area!

My understanding is that the market is more important than the property.