Thanks for the tips speedingpullet. My window on Topanga is a little longer as I need to save more for the down payment, probably 08-09 for me. I have just started the project and was gathering info, do you know much about the costal commission and why some listings indicate they are in or out? I tried searching thier web but of course they dont list the pros and cons of thier charter with respect to RE.
I have looked at a few places and did some mortgage research on them, its amazing how many have cashed out so much equity. The amount of equity withdrawl never really hit home until you see that every house suffers from it. Also the number of listings that have to get thier asking price to cover the note are numerous, I would hate to be in that boat!