The property was being sold through an auction and we were able to add an incredible amount of value just by cleaning it up and splashing a little paint around.

You can do much better in this environment.

I noticed that the prices of houses seem to be incredibly low on the show.

From a commercial RE perspective, I would suggest looking for opportunities that are less risky in today's environment: industrial, mobile home parks, self storage. 

It's always about (cashflow + consumer sentiment about the future + general sentiment about the macro environment) and not in that particular order, thus some of the insane valuations we see currently.  

But 4 units around Boston (~5 miles) are incredibly expensive (typically starting at 900K), so you'll need to make sure you can qualify for that kind of loan size. 

Flip is definitely doable, so long as all the rules are followed (https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/9734-the-self-directed-investor).In the current environment, you would also want to explore options created under the CARES Act that provide greater flexibility.There are likely going to be multiple routes to consider for using funds that are currently in tax-sheltered retirement account either (a) to invest in real estate in your own name outside of the retirement account - by pulling the money out through distribution or plan loan or (b) to invest in real estate in the name of the retirement account within the retirement account, each with different tax attributes:Taxable Distribution w/ 10% penaltyTaxable Distribution w/o 10% penaltyCoronavirus-related distribution (no 10% penalty and tax-management flexibility)Non-taxable plan loan to invest in your own nameInvest within a retirement account (e.g., IRA/401k/QRP) w/ no personal income tax liability@Yonah Weiss ALWAYS a HUGE honor to be mentioned by you!

We have had an incredibly strong sellers market in San Antonio lately, especially on the lower end of the market (which is where most people like to invest).

However, with anything, as something grows it evolves and begins to loose that thing that made it so special in the first place.I understand that there is still incredible value for people to gain from sifting through the forums but my challenge to the BP team would be to figure out a way to keep that unique massive value the forums had in the beginning while helping keep that uniqueness that we have all grown to love and benefit from.Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy!

., etc. piped over a zoom meeting ;)As for WFH effect on the Bay Area, keep in mind that when people work from home, their direct environment becomes MORE, not less important.