Mom and Dad would walk away from a short sale essentially without a place to live (lots of other personal factors that aren't really relevant to a real estate discussion played a hand).

(I'm trying to play by the rules by not marketing myself in the new member post.)

Too many unknown variables (i.e. age of property, condition, market cap rate, seller motivation, owner financing terms, upside in property, etc.) in play to give more concrete thoughts. 

Orange County has an unemployment rate of 4-5%, high income wage earners, educated work force, broad based economy, universities, medical centers, amusement parks, event venues, major league sports, and miles and miles of beautiful, accessible beaches.

For personal, I've been using the following:www.codeacademy.com (teaches website coding)www.pluralsight.com (more advanced style of coding and then some)www.espn.com (gotta have my sports!)

The best lesson from the entire process is that this is not a individual sport. 

So for me they are combo plays if you will, I know I will be getting the cash flow monthly and I am getting them at a good enough price where I will be able to get some appreciation dollars upon selling, whenever that is.Advice to my clients: I tend not to advocate investing strictly based on appreciation (even in a desirable place like west hartford).

Hmm i guess i can play devils advocate a little here as i am a realtor and investor.The MLS is a great way to find properties but even as a realtor i don't find all of my deals on the MLS. some of the work has to be done on your end!

@Jon Holdman I thought a portfolio lender might come into play here.

I'm starting a local CashFlow Meetup in Berkeley, CA, for the greater San Francisco Bay Area.http://www.meetup.com/Berkeley-Cash-Flow-Club-and-...This is just to come together  play CashFlow game, get to know other investors and discuss various RE stuff.