Post-turkey and pre-outlet mall: enter the lottery to buy a BMR (second item) or Below Market Rate condo. Applications for BMRs in the Emarcadero-adjacent luxury condo Watermark are due next week. A selection of one, two and three bedroom units on lower floors. From the 220K's to 300K.
Water views may disappear in a few years- when a seven-story hotel and cruise ship terminal go up in what is now a parking lot. But right now, it's sweet, and it will always be just a block from the water.
Income restrictions apply; appreciation mandated by code at 3% per annum, so don't get all greedy.