This will ensure you know the properties fundamental condition and   to make sure there is no  "falling knife" in this deal.  

The market fundamentals still have to make sense and we have to be able to see a path for forcing appreciation that is not market dependent.  

Any specific core fundamentals?

Networking and interpersonal tact are both fundamentals that seem to allow most to sink or swim in this business.

Unless you're dedicated to fundamental investment (and have the time to research/learn accordingly) you're (sort of) teaching gambling.

That is the price you pay for investing in a market with high demand and limited supply, but those same dynamics cut both ways ... that which is difficult to buy is easy to sell or rent and will tend to go up in value over time if the fundamentals that created the high demand and limited supply are consistent (which they are in CA).

I call myself a student of Warren Buffett (he doesn't know it), made close to 20% return in stock market through carefully read all financial statements of a target company and understand its fundamentals.

@Sara Abernethy, I can't but would say look at the basic fundamentals of stock investing vs RE investing.

Core Values are the fundamental beliefs of a person or organization.

Courts have ruled that the Act may require a housing provider to grant a reasonableaccommodation that involves costs, so long as the reasonable accommodation does not pose an undue financial and administrative burden and the requested accommodation does not constitute a fundamental alteration of the provider’s operations.