Scott M West The promise of future work is 99% non-existent to us contractors, just so you know.

The information is publicly available on county tax auditor websites. 

As your primary residence, you should purchase the best house you can afford with your kids education and extra curricular activities in mind.Problem with SF public schools is the lottery system, but that's a whole other discussion.

When investors lose they do not publicize but they made out with a profit they brag. 

Your CPA might be confusing Bonus depreciation with 179 expense deduction. 179 deduction which was also increased to 100% with the tax reform can only be applied to non-residential property.To clarify, the 100% bonus depreciation applies to property that has a useful life of under 20 years.

The public records will show the total amount of the loan, but not the outstanding balance so they won't know if you are leveraged or not.

@Jon Dorsey - You will definitely still be profitable at $2M albeit less than you may want.Are the utilities public or private?

When mailing to non owner occupied property owner, do you mail to the address on the county tax site?

You should know exactly what you're agreeing to when they ask you to sign their one page assignment contract.Fourth, Most deposits to wholesalers are non refundable so make sure all of your questions are answered before handing over a check, preferably over email so it's documented.Fifth, Do not stop your diligence until you close.

Just make sure you disclose to the public you are licensee.