Of course you could get a nightmare... but you can always get that regardless... 

What I typically see from our clients is that they charge anywhere between $250-$500 non refundable pet fee depending on the size of the dog and how many of course.

Of course, with all things, the answers to all these matters will depend on the circumstances.California tends to have more laws on the books and requirements and restrictions that it can be a good idea to form a CA LLC for out of state property so that you as a CA resident are covered, and to try to have your contracts fall under the purview of CA courts.

Each lot is 1/2 an acre and located near 3 large golf course communities.  

This, of course, is not saying I know what his personal strategy is.

Of course establishing what the assessed value was 20 years ago is less obvious.

Determine how much money would be needed to handle each risk, and determine if you have sufficient liquidity / cash flow to ensure you can “stay in the game”.This is of course in addition to all normal “due diligence”, financial forecasting, etc. 

Once you do, you will find eager buyers, and that is "all" it takes.Of course, I simplified it (a little), but that is basically the gist of it.

For a fee of course which I believe to be 12% of rent.I am a new investor but I do have the ability to learn and take action.

Is it some kind of foundation specialist to start with to at least know what it is and know if there is anything reasonable that can be done, a general contractor, or is this something I just write off as seasonal shifting of the foundation that happens with some?