This is the fork where I'm not sure if I'd be good to get some CRE exp and invest in learning about how to review deals for the next 2-3 years, or focus on generating revenue for investment purposes and watch how things are done as a LP.My personality more aligns with networking, reaching out to people, connecting, navigating difficult situations and finding solutions that work.

While I doubt I'll be investing here (terrified that property taxes and the pension debt will ultimately cripple property values), I'm always interested in meeting new people.

2) You MUST screen these people before renting to them, but you can use FurnishedFinders screening tool3) Otherwise, you can put your choice of screening link in your ad or include in a response template in FF.

I suggest you start out by meeting like minded people and here is a link to a local meetup in the OC: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521/topics/1225233-ocre...Good Investing...

Some questions for the people with experience: What are some basic landlord problems I will most likely run into?

There are far fewer people per house. 3.  

If anyone has faced a similar issue with an HOA or has suggestions for next steps, I’d really appreciate your insights.

And I see all these people doing it with this scheme and that scheme, and real estate investing content seems a golden ticket. 

People just make sure they have all that they need when they head out.

Visit with people there and you'll get a more detailed look at things from people actively working in the areas.