They are so focused on upselling youYou know the routine — you’re invited to a free seminar to learn about a new method of real estate investing, and the presenter or guru teases you with tidbits but offers nothing substantial.

We pay $110 per month for routine maintenance. 

For example:General-Filters (furnace, air conditioning, oven exhaust, refrigerator, and water)-Stove burner when the “eye” needs simple replacement-Batteries and remotes that service the premises-Fan and light pull strings-Smoke and carbon alarms testing and batteries-Ensuring appliances are properly plugged in, hooked up, and used-Removing dirt, debris, and lint in and from connection pipes (e.g. clothes dryer)-Tighten loose screws on all home functions (e.g. doors, hinges, handles, socket -Balancing off-balance appliances-Cable, internet, and phone jacks-Fire extinguishers-Systems operation (e.g. security, irrigation, HVAC)HVAC-Monthly A/C filter and drain line maintenance Electrical-Reset “tripped” GFI breakers-Light bulbs (throughout and at the end of the tenancy)-Blown fuses-Reset breakers in the outside and inside breaker boxes-Socket and plug outlet coversPlumbing-Unclog drains or toilets-Caulking around tubs and showers as needed-Gas pilot lighting-Leaky faucets and shower heads-Toilet flappers, handles, seats and seat lids, tank lid, and flush kit-Sink and tub stoppers-If septic tank present, use RID-X as directed on consumer box-Proper cleaning of garbage disposal-Loose faucets and sprayer heads and hoses-Faucet filters (i.e. aerator)-Open exterior plumbing clean out when necessary (e.g. sewage backup)Exterior-Routine lawn (and pool) maintenance-Adjusting sprinkler heads as necessary-On the last month of tenancy, tenant must perform required lawn maintenance no sooner than 2 days prior to vacate dateThere’s a lot to consider as a landlord.

If you, (or anyone) would ever want me to model out a 1,3,5 year scenario with multiple options, that's a routine part of our planning process.

They claim to have done routine inspections, but I was never informed of this water intrusion issue.

If you have a loan, you may wish to look into due-on-transfer clauses, as well as whether turning it into a rental requires you to refinance to a non-owner-occupied loan/rate.If you're going the umbrella insurance route, perhaps see if it will cover you for several things including just the routine slip and fall (like mold or earthquake).

My goals with REI is to generate as much cashflow and appreciation as possible, so I can get out of the 9-5 routine, build wealth for my future, and have as much time for myself as possible.Is Southern California a tough market for beginners?

- Establish consistent routines

When looking for a PM, consider these criteria:1) the experience and credentials of the broker who supervises the company as well as the lead property manager2) the services they offer and how they line up with your needs and expectations3) the use of technology to make their job and yours easier 4) if they have a landlord-tenant attorney on retainer to help guide them on legal issues (not to mention the creation of lease agreement, landlord forms and notices, etc.)5) their process and policy for a) listing, b) application, c) tenant selection, d) routine inspections, e) maintenance services, f) property and tenancy update reports to you, g) lease enforcement policy, and f) move-out process.6) property owner reviews (caution: you can't always rely on Google reviews, because they may not reflect actual quality of the company, but still) 7) beneficial programs for both owner and tenant 8) a property management agreement that would indicate they know what they're doing and have the experience to know what matters in a PMA.

You can only do so much reading, and the podcasts and videos really helped switch up my study routine.