Buying, Flipping and Selling Investment Property in San Francisco and Marin
Daniel Flores is a Compass Realtor® (CA DRE# 02032133) and an active Bay Area real estate investor who buys, renovates and sells his own properties. He represents investors buying and selling in San Francisco and Marin — and underwrites every deal the way he underwrites his own.
“As a first-time investor I needed someone who actually understood the numbers. Daniel walked the property with me, gave me a real rehab budget on the spot, and helped me win off-market. He's the real deal.”Marcus D. · Bayview · First investment
How I underwrite a deal
- Exit first. What it sells or rents for finished, from real closed comps — not list prices.
- Rehab budget. Line-item scope I can price on the walk-through, plus contingency. I've run my own renovations, so these numbers come from invoices, not guesses.
- Carry and financing. Hard money vs. bank vs. cash, holding costs, transfer taxes on both ends.
- Margin and risk. What has to go right, what can go wrong, and what the deal looks like if it does.
What I help investors buy and sell
| Strategy | Where it works | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Fix-and-flip | Dated single-family homes in SF and Marin | Margins live in the purchase price and a tight scope |
| Small multi-unit (2–6 units) | Mission, Bernal, Excelsior, Sunset; San Rafael | SF rent control and tenant buyouts change the math |
| Value-add / ADU | Lots with space in Marin and the Peninsula | Permitting timeline is the real cost |
| 1031 exchange | Trading up or consolidating | 45 days to identify, 180 days to close |
| Off-market | Estates, tired landlords, pre-market Compass listings | Speed and certainty of close win these |
Recent investment-type closings
| Property | Location | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2831–2835 Folsom Street | San Francisco (Mission) | $1,250,000 |
| 11–15 La Vista Way | San Rafael | $1,000,000 |
| 1628–30 Ignacio Boulevard | Novato | $1,009,000 |
| 36 Plata Court (my own renovation) | Novato | See the project |
Buyer or seller representation varies by transaction.
Sell to me directly — or let me list it
If you have an inherited house, a property that needs major work, difficult tenants, or you simply need certainty, I can make a fair as-is cash offer. Because I'm also a Realtor®, I'll show you what the open market would likely net you next to my offer, so you choose with both numbers in front of you. Sometimes listing wins — then you get the full Compass marketing and estate experience.
Off-market deal flow
Much of the best inventory never reaches the portals: estates, tired landlords and Compass Private Exclusives. I work those channels daily. See how off-market access works.
“Daniel found a property for me through Compass's exclusive Coming Soon feature. We made an offer before anyone else even knew about it — no competition, and everyone was happy.”Mary F. · San Rafael · Investment buyer
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Bay Area realtor who is also an active investor?
Yes — Daniel Flores is a Compass Realtor® (DRE# 02032133) who buys, renovates and sells his own properties in the Bay Area, and represents investors buying and selling in San Francisco and Marin.
How do I find off-market investment properties in San Francisco?
Through agents who work estates, landlord networks and Compass Private Exclusives, and by being a buyer who can close fast. Daniel shares these opportunities with investor clients who have financing ready.
Can you give me a rehab budget before I buy?
Yes. Daniel walks properties with investor clients and prices the scope on site, based on his own renovation projects.
Do you buy houses for cash in San Francisco and Marin?
Daniel can make as-is cash offers on some properties, and as a licensed Realtor® he shows the expected open-market net alongside any offer so owners can compare.
Do you help with 1031 exchanges?
Yes, on the real estate side — finding and closing replacement properties within the 45-day identification and 180-day closing windows. Your qualified intermediary and CPA handle the exchange itself.
Have a deal — or need one?
Send me the address and the story, or tell me what you're looking for. If the numbers work, I move fast.
Call 415-596-1891 Text Daniel Get a Home ValueGeneral information only — not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm your situation with your attorney or CPA.