My first project will most likely be 6-unit modern architectural townhomes, if I can acquire a bigger site I will adjust.

If she is working 2 jobs, where's her money going - sounds awful and some of you will slam me for it but I bet she's got a nice car and a better tv than you do.

Here in certain areas of the Bay Area, I don't really consider it speculation to bet on appreciation in the long term, though you might have to hold through possible recessions to benefit from it.

Adjust for end units and ones that back to busy streets, etc. and you can get an accurate picture of the value pretty easily.

But it is not something I would bet on.

Your best bet is to spend an afternoon down at the county records office with a list of the properties that you are interested in.

Just keep a spreadsheet log of my time.I can then reflect on how many hours I traded for dollars and make a dollars adjustment (in my mind) when making decisions/comparisons .That also might help me look at what I'm spending the most time on and get that stuff outsourced too.

By adjusting your point of view, you can dramatically increase your satisfaction in life while simultaneously building your REI portfolio.How many landlords have walked into their resident's places only to find 60" flat screen TVs with a really nice sound system while the landlord's old 27" CRT TV (w/ no sound system) is sitting at home?

They do line item adjustments on comparables and then come up with a number based on that.

I think it's not a good idea to hold because it's betting on appreciation which is like betting on the stock market.