You may assume that and I'm fully aware of the advantages of using different representation for both sides of the transactions, as well the potential pitfalls of double-ending and dual-agency.Thanks!

The pilot light is still lit and I can turn the furnace back on if I want.This is my first home - logically it makes sense to shut something off when not in use, but houses have so many nuances and I want to avoid a situation like "well since you shut off the furnace that cooled the insulation which then caused flaking which then clogged your air filter and yada yada your foundation broke and collapsed and there goes your investment."

As far as purchase price, rehab costs and arv that's all up in the air as it all depends.

Many say California's housing shortage is even worse than many think so that probably bodes well for the more affordable locations in SoCal moving forward.http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/article/NE/20170828/NEWS/170829674http://abc7.com/business/air-force-contract-expect...Good luck!

Further compounding this problem, a large percentage of the population with dual income have a significant other who also comes with their own set of money baggage… I mean… habits that are often no better than their own.Have an open mind when I say this,“we were raised by aliens.”

I have a townhouse i am purchasing in Bel Air Edison.

But, see next bit about working off-market sellers for a commission.If I am working with investors looking to flip and I source the property for them, I charge the off-market seller a small commission for bringing them the deal and I run the deal as dual agency to keep the transaction friendly and on track.

Properties are all well kept, interior and exterior, and they all have Central Air. 

@Greg Martin  I would suggest you go in and empty all the refrigerators.. the stench will be worse everyday it sits. and block fridge doors open, so they can air out,, pull plugs so if power comes back on they won't.  

Roof still have 10-15 years left, new gas furnace, new ac unit central air.