We also want to expand our profolio but cannot find anything within 2 hours drive, or in California in general.

Credit score- the higher the best. 760-780+ generally gets best pricing for investment property loans with most lenders.

A really nice home with some extra touches (a little granite, better flooring, nicer paint job, nicer cabinets, etc.) compared to the area will make potential tenants fall in love with the place.  2) Tenants that bring or can swing their own appliances are more financially stable (or just stable in general, ha!)

300k purchase + 10-15k closing + 80k remodel + 5k for refinance costs. 80k remodel number I got from my father who is a general contractor in the area. 500k ARV x .80% refi (because it would be my primary residence) = 400k minus 15k closing, 80k remodel, 5k refi cost = 300k my original purchase price.

Unfortunately, private lending income is not considered passive by IRS standards and generally cannot offset accumulated Schedule E passive losses.

Do I always get what I ask for, generally YES - UP TO 3%.

A fixer is generally where I buy but I'd buy turnkey if the cash flow is there.

Every so often I will look at my listing in private or incognito mode to make sure it's showing up to the general public.Closer to their stay, I text guests (who want it) a guest book that I put together with local restaurants, things to do, parking, etc. 

Depends on the exact area of course....but generally STRs will make 2-3 times what a LTR makes.

I have 24 other units in the same general area.