One lesson is careful to be swayed by U tubes and claims .

These have two very different next steps.If it is a condo, you need to check your condo docs and see where the unit ends and what is common area. if its a leak in a pipe in a wall that is typically common owner and the condo association should take care of it.

Donate the Property: Donating the property to a qualified charitable organization can provide you with a charitable deduction equal to the property’s fair market value and eliminate capital gains taxes.Implementing these strategies requires careful planning and consideration of your specific financial situation.

I am a CA RE Broker who has done loans for decades in CA. 

Every license comes with its own responsibilities, fees, and obligations—like insurance, NAR dues, and other costs—so it’s important to think carefully about your goals before jumping in.I have to respectfully disagree with Erik.

These lenders care more about the value of the asset that is financed rather than your credit score or income documentation.2.

I would definitely take care of the cracked/chipping ceilings.

It does not matter whether you are starting a real estate business, restaurant, car wash, or amazon commerce business - the lender will first look at you and your partner and how much skin you have in the game, your experience and the risk of the loan not getting paid. 

Some sellers may not care and those that are in protected class's IE non english or simply not educated might still get taken advantage of..

You would need to find a property manager to care for the investment until you return, which will eat into the profits.