I’m determined to make this work not just for myself but for my family and friends.

Landlord friendly states are going to be your best friend since CA isn't the best at looking out for landlords. 

You’ll also want to know how they handle rent collection and late payments and if they can provide references from other investors they work with.A good investor-friendly agent should have a strong network of professionals like contractors, inspectors, and lenders to help with your investments.

I would also find out from your friend if they have increased the rent since that tenant has been in the house. 

@Anshuman ThakurThere are some very good advantages to investing in Nevada, low property taxes, no income tax, and landlord friendly.

Do you want tenant-friendly or a hammer? 

My wife briefly help a friend manage their monthly short term rental in San Francisco while they were traveling and have a few friends that do it.Monthly rentals seem to book pretty well, but not at a significant premium to long term term rentals. 

With fully paid-off properties and significant equity, your options are wide open.I had a friend in Connecticut who ended up investing in Phoenix and he was in a situation much like yours - an inherited property and equity to work with.

Agreed mate,I'm all about taking personal responsibility and I have been swindled many times in a similar fashion like many feel on this thread.It seems like these investors including myself in other instances get negligent and don't read between the lines.Especially after trust and a relationship have been established, we become gullible and don't second guess or question.Maybe it's greed for some but in my instance it wasn't.Just innocent and trusting stupidity (No, I'm never a victim as that is ******** mentality in my book).I had some spare $$$ and wanted to diversify in other assets through folks I considered friends and trustworthy business partners.Didn't even think twice to look things over.Looking back, it all makes sense now but it's easy being a general after the battle heheI only blame myself here...I mentioned in the thread further above that I lost to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars.Again, it is what it is and it's a lesson.Only myself to blame and have always taken the high road in such instances.As much as I'd like to fight for justice and go down the legal path, it just isn't worth the time and emotion.Upwards and onwards.Become better and make more than you have lost.Each to their own and that's just my personal "modus operandi"

I looks like you are in Cali which is a notoriously tenant friendly state.