So now I am 25 and I was finally presented with an opportunity (duplexes are super rare in my area/state btw) I put an offer in and it's looking like it's gonna be accepted!!

One quote has the items listed, shows the price of each item as $0 and then has a final total. 

When you file your taxes at the end of the year the accountant is going to ask you for your receipts or what and how much you want to write off using deductions.

Some might not be livable at purchase but 5k still seems cheap unless there is something off with the data. maybe the prices were reduced on unlivable properties due to back taxes being part of the deal for the purchase.

Very sad, very taxing, a lot of effort before you have a deal to show for it.

Is your DSCR ratio greater than 1-meaning are you cash flowing (according to the lender's criteria of mortgage, property taxes and insurance (and HOA) if applicable).

Mello Roos are bonds that are floated to do off and on site development and then added to the tax bill. there is also 1915 act bonds etc.. if there was not the ability to float bonds CA would never have developed as it has as the up front captial for major improvements would have been a major stumbling block..

@Dave Meyer always cover this almost every month.Below are few episodes and resources to help you narrow down your options and finally start your investing.I recommend you pick the market that aligns with you real estate investing goals, your risk appetite and personality.https://www.biggerpockets.com/resources/real-estate-101/wher...https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/best-real-estate-markets-...https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/most-affordable-housing-m...All the best and keep up posted.

I feel I'm finally ready to spearhead my own project.

The homeowner has direct title, can sell at any time and gets 100% of the appreciation and tax benefits on these houses.