number 2 is vary smart!

Seem super clean as far as expectations go.Definitely smart of you to not interrupt the other tenants power that would only create more issues.  

You were smart to not go any higher, you had a number that you were good with.I suggest you continue to attend auctions, make sure you do your research first, try to talk to the owner or lender, find out what they need. 

It seems like selling and renting is the biggest wealth builder in the end Rent in a lower cost area with a lower monthly payment and use the difference gained  to invest in the stock market ( which would yield around 8 percent) Keep the primary and hold it long term ( average appreciation in california from what I could see is about 5 to 6 percent if you look back in time Keep it as long term rental ,it would rent for $3800 current mortgage is 6150 $ - doesnt seem smart to me Let me know if you need any more details in order for you to give me a better answer or insights 

Owning a property in your personal name is NOT smart and in today's crazy world, not safe.

That’s a smart move, Aaron!

I complained but was explained I'm not the "bill to" party, so they don't have to notify me.Nowadays, everything is online, so all I have to do is log into my account, download the online bills and forward a copy to my tenant via email or by smart phone, all done in a minute.

The software interface isn't terribly efficient, but it performs its functions just fine)That said, I think there are some locks that have a wifi function and no fee, BUT they require interfacing with a smart hub - and the cost of setting that up combined with the amount of tech knowledge needed/potential for things to go wrong made me give them a pass.  

They were a) smart and b) knew money and c) poked around on the world wide webs a bit.

High touch" and customer service from an "impression" standpoint might suffer but all else could work very well.Automated showings is easy nowadays.Automated maintenance and scheduling is fairly easy nowadays also as long as you have a solid vendor list.Also, have to "teach" the tenant from day 1 on "How to" use and do all of these things so on-boarding instructional manuals are vital.Just my opinion but I'm seeing the world of PM go heavily in the virtual direction.Well, at least the smart companies are doing it.Less overheads and a heavy reliance on tech and automation.Unfortunately, tech has let me down much less than people have over the years...I had an in depth talk with our team and we pretty much only need an office to hold keys lolEvery one can work from home with ease.Granted, they got use to the smell of my cigars in the office hahaIs smoking allowed in closed spaces?