Now that the rehab is complete, there's some equity in the property, and I'm moving in, I can't help but wonder if it's smart to take this time to do something on the side to pay down my mortgage faster or start educating myself on screening tenants and doing my due diligence.

This is my first (possible) home purchase so I am super excited about it but trying to be smart. 

Hi Mitchell, it's great to hear about your real estate journey and your plans for your next property.Building a strong team is key, and it's smart to recognize the value of experienced professionals like agents and contractors.

If you’re not going to make the smart move of selling tax free, and make the questionable move of being a landlord in Ca just because you already own the home…A) No LLC, it won’t help with taxes, liability, or anonymity but it will increase the cost of insurance, taxes, and any financing  (and maybe the bank calls the current mortgage  due.)B) Get an umbrella policy if you are worth more than $1M, maybe $500k  C) Don’t even THiNK about doing this yourself.

But on the positive side, no lender in the country can compete when the builder offers a 20-30k seller credit just for using their lender.Now, I'm sure you're a smart fellow and understand the addage, "there's no such thing as a free lunch."

Great find and smart strategy @Christopher Berra !

It was a smart play made possible by an area real estate broker who suggested it.

Personally I think $1.05 is not a smart listing price.

If I install some smart lock door that I can control entry code, then I can simply give the temp entry code to the applicant.

How can you turn it into a better deal with smart upgrades or expansion?