I desire to begin investing asap so I started the process of  learning as much as I can by reading and watching videos.

It’ll cover you in case there are any disputes.I know it’s tough, especially when other tenants are being affected, but it sounds like you’re handling it as calmly and professionally as you can.

Socal is tough to find investment properties that work.I have a great realtor in Sacramento that can find properties that cash flow.

Cashflow, ability to build a team, landlord tenant laws, price to rent ratio etc.......were all factors in the decision making process almost a decade ago.Now,  I wonder why your approach is an either or view? 

.: RAD encourages investors to make them hard money loans (that are really unsecured) with a 20% interest rate because the "REIT is full" or there is "a waitlist" to get in on the opportunities. pretty tough if not impossible to  take on 20% long term debt on buy and hold / rent model.. its tough at 10% let alone double that .. 

Tough situation.Sounds like your mortgage forces your hand. 

All funds process through various channels but the PMS (with trust accounting which is very important) keep track of all the funds and then we disburse monthly to the owner. 

so - tough environment. 

Right now, it is incredibly tough to make even a few hundred a month with traditional strategies.

Even with a great deal, it’s tough to make it work in today’s market.This is the reality we’re facing now.