I will provide some thoughts on the San Diego purchase- virtually all high LTV mls purchases since rates started to hike have negative cash flow at purchase- historically great appreciation- historically great rent growth but recently flattening- prop 13 is great benefit for long holds- laws keep getting less LL friendly.

I am a long-term investor, but I also provide services to long-term investors, so my advice is biased toward that option.  

Private equity firms seem to favor larger operations with scalable systems, while smaller mom-and-pop firms are often acquired by local players or regional operators looking to expand their footprint.If you’re looking for actionable intel, reaching out to brokers specializing in the sale of PM firms could provide useful leads.

Gator most of the risk is on the person providing the earnest money.

As they are getting paid to provide a service.

Most cost segregation study companies provide the quote for free.

Having the contractor relationship in place to move quickly and provide a high quality renovation at a reasonable price.

The borrower MUST receive something of value for the deed in lieu, agreeing not to foreclose immediately and giving the borrower time to reinstate, or providing a modification, is that something of value.I need to clarify that these notes are commercial and investment property, so do not have to comply with residential lending requirements.With a deed in lieu there is no foreclosure, judicial or non judicial.  

The right agent will have worked with Canadians before, will have lenders set up that can work with Canadians and will have a seamless process for management.Not only can an agent set you up with a GC, property manager, lawyer, insurance broker, inspector and everything else you need, they can analyze deals and put numbers in front of you.Your job as an investor is to vet the vendors they are providing and double check their analysis.  

Ideally you can provide something extra or unique that you can highlight in your photos and description to stand out.