Meals may be 50% deductible if tied to business discussions, and if you drive, you could deduct the mileage at the standard rate.

You can also use what is classified as a “Standard” stamp and as mention a machine presort stamp.  

It seems to be a need in the area and its much cheaper than a standard motel for a month.

Also, the state of formation is likely where internal disputes would be brought among LLC members, so if you and a partner and/or spouse live in CA, you probably want to arbitrate in CA if the two of you had a disagreement.

I'd love to get info/opinions on whether there is a "standard" amount of time to increase rents in the Bay Area for Single Family Homes.How do property management companies/landlords handle rent increases for existing renters? 

If after adding the additional monthly recurring costs (electricity, gas, water, internet, insurance, lawn care, snow plowing, etc.) to the standard long-term costs (Mortgage, taxes, regular insurance, etc.) the property won't net at least $100 if I can get the average rent I see on FF for that area, then the property isn't worth more investigation.

Historically, the standard fundamental was that your going-in cap rate should be higher than LONG TERM, FIXED rate interest.  

But you'd always want to talk to the city right away (or county) and find out the development standards for the zoning that the lot is in (what are the setbacks, height limit, min lot size, etc).

Here are standard terms as of today:2 points10.49% - 12% rates75% - 90% LTC100% rehab included up to 75% of ARV

There has never been a standard commission of course (anti-trust laws), but now it is a very different time than it was the last few years!