Almost impossible.If you rent:You’ll get depreciation.But rents rarely cover the mortgage.Losses often get trapped unless you qualify as a Real Estate Professional.When you sell: federal capital gains, 25% depreciation recapture, plus California income tax.Profit is taxed as ordinary income.California has no special “capital gains” rate.That can take 35–45% of your gain.Now, the live-in flip is where California actually helps you.Live there 2 years.Section 121 exclusion = $250k tax-free if single, $500k if married.California follows this rule.That means your gain can be completely tax-free.Your husband being a carpenter makes this even better, you can add sweat equity without paying contractor rates.BRRR in Marin?

I bought the very best one on the market it cost about 1k my electrician put it in for a few bucks then you buy a deep cycle marine battery 300.00 but that will keep the sump running for about 4 days..

I found that I had to rebrand myself as “the apartment guy” instead of my current profession as “The Marine” — but as mentioned, most people in their forties have more real experience, capital, and know other people with capital.I guess it took me until I turned forty to realize that I wasn’t getting younger and retirement was closer than I imagined.

You can get them on-line or in my market you can get them at large boat stores like West Marine.  

Leasing to the Marines.

Hey Li, my good friend works for a hard money fund that specializes In OCC bridge loans up in Mainly Marin county, but the general bay area as well.

@Tre Davis,Thank you for your service - my husband is also a Marine Corps veteran! 

Hi @Jake Marin ,I am really encouraged to hear that there is some action happening in Rutland.

And I can totally relate… my husband is a Marine Corps veteran, and I actually spent most of my life in New Jersey too!

Mortgage Loan Representative, NMLS #557192 at Marine Credit Union--they work with people who have challenging credit history.