I notice that "Notice of an Independent Solar Energy Producer Contract" comes up a lot when filtering through Liens.

Acquired our first rental property and working to attract a qualified tenant.

We're willing to live almost anywhere in the greater Sacramento area based on what we can afford, provided of course that the property is in a decent neighborhood that has a good chance of attracting responsible tenants.As for budget, I believe we could get a conventional loan for properties up to $600k, but my strong preference is to find a distressed property (or seller!)

With that being said, if you're comfortable with a long term hold, San Diego and especially coastal, will always be attractive imo. 

If you find something that works well as a short-term rental, but doesn't work well for you as a home, you'll have money but be dissatisfied when you live there.You don't even need it to produce a profit.

@Thomas Farrellmiscellaneous reactions-BRRRRs won't produce cash flow - they're an equity strategy, not a cash flow strategy-OOS BRRRR on your first deal will be incredibly difficult. 

Being a subject matter expert, not because you are forcing it, but because you simply ARE, shows through, and investors are rightfully attracted to that. 

Of course "hoping" rates will come down is not a sound strategy so finding a way to assume a loan that already took advantage of low rates is a great option.If you were starting over and targeted a large SFH, would you try to maintain the property in a way that would still attract regular homebuyers (not investors) if you needed to sell?

Why would one choose value adds that produce lower returns than can be achieved in other markets?

Do not do anything that does not produce income.