Yes they are old and many need substantial work, but you have a major advantage over people living in more expensive areas of the country, not to mention a great supply of small multifamily homes.

South Coast Supply in Los Alamitos sells material for block fencing and can give very good/ reliable contractor references for the install.

Good contractors can be hard to find.Here is my advice.I have had great luck finding them at our local real estate investor meet up group.I agree building supply centres can also be a good source.In my experience it is easier to find people to do a big job, rather than small ones.What I have done is formed relationships, where I give them a good big contract and in return they do the small stuff for me.I also have a couple of handyman type people on my team.They are usually doing repairs on the side, often for cash under the table.I only trust the small guys with minor stuff, maybe laying a floor, or replacing a toilet.The key is to build a solid team, do not nickel and dime them, pay them as soon as the work is done.Build a win win situation.

I'm wondering if higher owner occupancy rates means that there is little demand for rentals in the area or if it means that there is a low supply of rentals in the area.

I did just check my records and in the last 5 years we spent just over $6k for various repairs and supplies.

If there are thousands of brand new, rental units down the street, will supply outpace demand? 

Essentially, the landlord can ask for anything they want subject to supply/demand, and you can negotiate.This is because public policies have a general obligation to make sure people can get and afford housing, it's not the same with businesses.  

If you think these posts are long winded, you would hate the in depth materials we supply to clients.One last thought on this old topic of who has been caught - Would you publicly acknowledge being caught and fined if you did not have to?

On a typical project, here are the contractors I'll probably use:- Demo- Roofer- Painter- Carpenter- Plumber- Electrician- HVAC- Window Company- Tile Guy- Carpet Guy- Hardwood Guy- Cabinets/Countertops Company- Termite Inspection- Landscaping- Garage Door Company- House CleanerIn addition, on many projects I'll also use:- Drywall Guys- Insulation- Surveyor- Structural Engineer- Inspectors- Concrete Company- Driveway/Paving Company- Grading- Tree Trimming- Shower Glass CompanyFor big projects, new construction:- Architect- Civil Engineer- Foundation- Asbestos Removal- Sediment Control- Excavation, Dirt Hauling- Interior Sprinklers- Stone WorkEach of those contractors will typically get between 1-4 draws, depending on the scope of the work they have for the project.Then there are materials and other non-labor costs:- Permits (0-3 transactions per project)- Porta Pottys (0-3 transactions per project)- Home Depot Materials (3-5 transactions per project)- Dumpsters (1-3 transactions per project)- Paint Purchase- Cabinets/Countertops Purchase (2-4 transactions per project)- Flooring Material Purchase (1-2 transactions per project)- Specialty Material Suppliers (0-10 transactions per project)- Utility/Service Installation (0-5 transactions per project)- Private Inspections (0-5 transactions per project)- Insulation/Airtightness Tests- AppliancesOn top of that, I will potentially write several checks to:- Title Company- Property Inspector- Appraiser- General Contractor or Project Manager- Interest Payments- Utility Payments- Tax PaymentsOn top of that, I have my general business expenses:- Accounting- Legal- Interest Payments- Tax Payments- Brokerage Fees- E&O Fees- MLS Fees- Overhead/Office (Supplies, Equipment, Subscriptions, Software, etc)- Telephone/Fax/Internet- Income from Property SalesAll of these easily add up to a couple hundred transactions on a large project or new build, meaning many dozen per month. 

The market is kind of leveling out right now but there's not necessarily a sign of a crash, there's still high demand and low supply especially here in san diego.