I live in San Diego (out east in Ramona), and I'm curious what you all would say about investing here.

During the GFC some areas of CA central valley crashed 75%, in South & East San Jose 50%....meanwhile up the peninsula some appreciated.

So they ended up picking some random place in the middle as the venue. 

Denis, I am located in Middle Tennessee.

I'm very active in the greater Nashville area doing flips, new construction and own several rentals across middle TN.

Quote from @Amber Seel: We are in the middle of a cash out DSCR on a property we are BRRRRing scheduled to close 9/28.

On the other hand, doing a lower-rate refi or pulling less cash keeps payments more manageable ($5,361–$6,000) while still freeing up some capital, less stress, and more breathing room.A smart middle-ground is doing a HELOC now and refi later.

One option might be to focus on a partial repaint, maybe just the high-traffic areas or most visibly marked walls, as a middle ground if the current condition is detracting from the overall feel of the home.It could also be worth framing the repaint as a lease renewal incentive down the road.

I know they're a large wholesaler on the east coast, I'm in Atlanta, GA.

Woodhaven, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Jamaica, etc.Plenty of other options in the North and West sides of Queens (Astoria, Elmhurst, Woodside, East Elmhurst, etc.) but your pricepoint will be a bit higher vs. the Central-South areas.Overall, I like your strategy of househacking.