With a 3-5% down FHA loan, I snagged a cozy home in a hot spot, worked from home to play handyman, and created a hedge against the "what-ifs" of life.

This is one of the things that sound a lot easier than they are actually done.The crazy thing I learned about these CA fires is that the heat radiation is hot enough (1500-2000F) that it will ignite your furniture through the windows.

We knew there was some hot air in them, I expected more fraudulent folks to have created note "funds" and it pyramid down and blow up but i think a lot got stopped in their tracks when they were anticipating a rate cut and not a lot of higher % debt notes to be offered so they never indulged in such tomfoolery.

Chosen right, some of those South side neighborhoods may become hot, and give you large amounts (percentage-wise) of appreciation.

Then based on @Michael Baum's suggestion, I think I will have my cleaner and/or maintenance person do monthly/quarterly maintenance like using using enzyme based cleaners, grease fighting drain treatments and hot water flushing. 

. :)  we just got some of those hot chicken places out here in Orygun

However, in emergencies or cases involving health and safety, we would attempt to contact the owner first and, if unsuccessful, proceed with the repair as outlined in the contract.Regarding the hot water heater, do you know if it genuinely needed to be replaced?

@Polat Caglayan.Detroit is HOT right now for sure. 

Stocked kitchen, wifi, Hot tub, etc?

Quote from @Chris Seveney: @Charlene Kingsnorth have you had an sec attorney also review what you are doing as if you're are having multiple people as part of a loan participating in it depending on the state this could get you in hot water - so be careful  good point Chris some state allow fractionalized deed of Trust mortgages other do not or require PPM like documents prior to offering them..