Great question- I love that you are looking for HOW to make it work rather than having decided that it doesn't work, that attitude will serve you well. 

Our current property manager is not cutting the mustard (not enforcing late fees, slow to fill vacancies, etc.) and I would very much like to replace her with someone who will approach our investments with a more business minded attitude. 

It's a bit of a defeatist attitude, and I do feel for the guy.

Maybe your attitude turns them off....?

I did see a lot of improvement in her attitude when I got a few lucky flip property returns. 

The attitude in the courtroom was literally an overnight change after his passing.

My main concern, being my first rent increase, is the attitude/personality needed for such a task.

Not an indictment on you, but you might get lumped in with others and their bad attitude/behavior, just due to the fact you live in Cali.I would just move and keep looking for a good fit.

You have a good attitude to start and the fact you are thinking about the legality of the business of wholesaling means you are ahead of 75% of all who do the business.

It's awesome that you're starting your real estate journey.The first step is always the toughest, but you have the right attitude.