The participation must be regular, continuous, and substantial as defined by the IRS.

@Jay Fayz Do you have a source of regular income? 

DSCR loans are not that low and regular hard money loans will be in the double digits.

If it's beyond the regular duties, then yeah, a fee for his time is valid.

Like you a purchased my primary residence in 2017 as an estate sale and landed an amazing deal which still holds a large amount of equity.

I plan to manage the properties myself until it conflicts with my regular job.I would appreciate any advice on these markets to ensure success and connect with local investors.

If you do not regularly file for evictions, you'd best retain an attorney. 

By all means give them a note on how to use all of the appliances (eg clean out the lint trap on the drier after each load, do not use dish soap in a dishwasher, change the furnace filter regularly, etc).

Newer construction code requires better earthquake-proofing, but it's still aimed at preventing a building collapse rather than holding the value of the structure.About 15 years ago there was all the talk about "100 year homes" but I haven't seen much come of that.

Your best/safest bet would be a regular lease combined with an option to purchase.