The cap rate at current rents was something near 5.75%-6% and cash on cash was not attractive either given the $ needed to spend on the first day, etc.  

As I stay committed I am hoping to attract others who remember somebody helped them.  

In Cook county, it could be awhile before the owners are out and that makes that home extremely less attractive.  

Which style are You naturally attracted to.  

Really good discussion, I have found that its best to give people the freedom to do what they want, people change their minds a lot but ultimately if you stay focused on your own business you only attract what is good for you.

I am in the Snoqualmie Valley and there are some auction properties that look very attractive. 

Chris NA all you need to do is explore a market you're familiar with in the Bay Area with the correct fundamentals: jobs, high-income earners, attractive school districts, growing population ect.,  buy one of the lower-end homes in the area and put some money and sweat equity into it to make it a winner! 

When we returned we did some significant upgrades (windows, roof, privacy fence, tile flooring) leaving the house attractive to potential buyers and we have all but kissed that money good bye that we put into it.  

Any dip in the market will attract cash-buyers immediately.

Hi Adam,That is tough.You have to figure in simply paying more in the lease to make yourself attractive to a land owner or a developer.You have to see it from their perspective.