I mean it's CA for heaven sake :)   By the way our most recent couch purchase was a lovely piece of furniture built by the Amish. https://ssc.ca.gov/forms_pubs/hog/Are you saying the earthquake stuff is the reasoning for the timber construction vs masonry? 

If you're looking to get started in real estate investing, focus on building a sustainable "assembly line" that allows you to grow year after year.

Also since it's a 4-unit it would need to meet the sustainability requirement. 

However I would sell these units as $500-550/month rent will never be sustainable.

I fared well luckily, did not sustain any damage personally.

Other additional expenses include smart locks for all rooms once a week house keeping and furniture.

Furnished Finder does make it tricky since you need separate profiles for each room, but platforms like Apartments.com or Airbnb might work better if you're aiming for full-house rentals or structured by-the-room arrangements.If you decide to rent to multiple individuals:Tenant Screening: Screen each tenant thoroughly to ensure they’re reliable and responsible.Clear Communication: Introduce potential tenants to one another Detailed Agreements: Use separate leases for each tenant and specify shared vs. private spaces, utilities, and maintenance responsibilities.House Rules: Create clear, written house rules to prevent misunderstandings.Inventory Tracking: Document everything in the home (furniture, appliances, etc.) to avoid disputes about damage or missing items.Also, market your property with its flexibility in mind—like proximity to hospitals for traveling nurses or universities for graduate students.

Saving up to purchase homes that will support this business model sustainably because that's the end goal anyway to own these homes instead of rent them. 

You could swing to a furnished rental if that works for your area even with rental furniture but that is a different model.

Houses that sustained fire events have long term consequences including structural damage and mold that results from water intrusion required to extinguish the fire.