New investor - need advice

[Clay W.]

Hello - I have finally acquired my first rental property (a duplex) and I plan to get my feet wet and manage myself to not only learn but save money since property management doesn't pencil at this point.

One renter seems OK for now and has been in occupancy a few years. The other tenant has been there years and will be evicted for numerous reasons that the previous owner did not care to address.

I plan to fix up the property over the next few months and renew the existing tenant to a higher, 1-year lease and then search for a new tenant at market rate.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I'd like some advice on where to start with a new thorough lease and forms to use since I want to secure a new lease with the existing tenant and will need to screen for a new tenant once I evict and renovate the other unit.

I am considering to join the California Apart. Assoc. but even that is quite expensive for a one-duplex owner and not sure if it is worth it just yet. Other than the numerous "Real estate investing books" I have, any other advice/direction would be much appreciated. Thanks!