how about locations near energy corridor and woodlands?

Vacation rentals can generate higher income during peak season, especially in a tourist-friendly are like Venice.

This is a wild idea  but could he use the collateral in his property here in California to buy cash flowing properties in another state to generate some income. 

Boost Cash Flow and IncomeYou can immediately start benefiting from increased cash flow and rental income by exchanging non-income-generating properties, such as vacant land, for income-producing assets like commercial buildings.

If you do, AND you are paying utilities, make sure those are energy-efficient appliances.

After covering all expenses, the duplex generates a positive cashflow of $400 per month.

Even though WE are NOT originating a loan here; it would be the EX-Husband who would be "originating" the Loan (by taking back the Deed of Trust and Note) in order to SELL his 50% interest in the house, the TIE IN is with our BUYING or INVESTING in the purchase of the DOT and Note to generate CASH to him, and CASH OUT to Her is wherethis becomes a "Gray Area" of whether it violates any of the CFPB Consumer Financial Protection Bureaus requirements and could be re-characterized as a high cost LOAN IN DISGUISE ALTERNATIVE THINKING We are thinking a better way to go here IF the EX-Wife agrees; it to SELL the house NOW, pay off the EX- Husband and enter into a 3 year LEASEBACK with the buyer of the home. 

I’m second generation in this line of work.

In Cleveland, OH you can buy properties that go way over the 1% rule and generate cash flow day 1. 

@Malieka HenryMid-term rentals (MTRs) have generated a lot of interest lately.