They schedule with the tenant, drive there, document everything, they have hardware expenses, insurance, vehicle, etc. 

Some mentees will act as a bloodhound for the mentor, knocking on doors, driving for dollars, scouring the internet, making cold calls, or performing other services that help the mentor find new deals.

I’m aware California is not the best market, with the restrictions and potential new tax coming up, etc, but we have personal reasons to invest there.With that said, we visited a lot of houses in the San Diego area and saw 2 that seem like a potential fit for us: one is a smaller 3 bedroom but a mile from the beach and the other is a 15-17min drive to the beach, but bigger with 4 bedroom and a little cheaper, which would allow us some cushion to invest on a hot tub or potential pool.

Why are you driving out there all the time?

Tax season drives me crazy - I am going to get a tattoo of a K-1 on my behind !! 

If you just look at a place with no jobs and everyone has to drive 10-20 miles to work, these can be problematic if fuel prices rise or there is a recession. 

Might be a little far drive from SD but may be worth it. 

Save and wait unless you can find a killer seller financed deal.And by relative willing to lend  you $2000 - you will want to ensure it is a gift (a true one).There is a difference between lend and gift and it can have a meaningful impact on if those funds are valid for financing sake.

I ended up buying a duplex in North Andover, only 30 min drive from the city.

I've been self managing our STR in Davenport for the last 2 yrs and don't know how to drive more rentals.