Hi Joe,Have lived in California, ranging through every county, for 20 years, and I don't see much opportunity in the coastal areas - and no big appreciation in the near term, or even looking past that.

This equity can be accessed if you decide to buy a rental or need access to funds since VA can cash out up to 100% of market value with out time requirements for owning the home (conventional requires 12 months to cash out up to 85% on primary and use current market value).VA also has very high "funding fee" ranging from 2.15% for first use and 3.3% second use to as low as 1.25% if you plan to put some down payment down.

For now I'll concentrate on rehabbed 3 to 6 flats in stable communities but I don't see too many on the market that's within my price range. 

Omaha, Nebraska- very solid, long-term businesses-- transportation, Agriculture, financial services - Creighton University, University of Nebraska Omaha-- great schools with graduate programs- Relatively low barrier to entryFargo, ND- programs to bring in business- North Dakota Oil Boom-- Bakken Oil Fields- Strong economy -- diverse SMB businesses - Relatively low $ barrier to entry- low crime rateHow about you? 

--What is the average interest rate (or range) that lenders charge? 

That is a big range on the repairs.  

These are just out of, or are completely out of my price range.  2.

I have several guns and dozens of hours at the range.

I understand that it is a very big range, but I want to remain open to any niche until I find the right deal.I look forward to meeting some people!

I'm guessing you're looking at rents in the $650-750 range for that price.