BTW behind Texas.When all forms of taxes are calculated (income, property, and sales tax), CA ranks below the middle of the nation in total tax rate.  

Background checks on how well they avoid trouble.

The owner was motivated due to personal circumstances and wanted to avoid the hassle of listing the property publicly.To negotiate the deal, I started by understanding the seller’s priorities.

I have been avoiding this forum for so long because well, I am ashamed of myself a little lol.

I have a confession: my only duplex, which I gave owned now for 2 years and recently moved out of from a house hack, has proven to cost me more to maintain/pay taxes/repair/fix etc to the point where my cash flow is close to zero.

I’d fix it up and list it to sell after I’d been there two years to take the gain tax free.

Typically, the adjustments I see on appraisals for basements are more flat rate adjustments. 10k is usually the number I've seen.What stinks is that there are a couple of model types that have below grade space where the builder, I'm sure, was trying to lower the taxes by having it below grade so the county wouldn't count that space in the assessment.

Your other questions are better suited for an attorney to avoid misinformation.

Tax and Legal ConsiderationsUnderstand the tax implications and legal responsibilities associated with rental income.

It's a more affordable market and lower property taxes, so you may actually have a chance to cash flow.