I live in Sacramento, and have noticed that people are offering either equal or above asking price even for homes that sometimes need 80-100k in repairs and I can't see how they would even make a profit doing that.

BiggerPockets also has a calculator to analyze deals, and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.

I am in it and feel it is worth it as they have groups all over the country who, with experience transaction coordinators and funding groups, and even closers to help you along the way.

This is because I'm concerned that even though the things in the house I can see look great things like the electrical, plumbing, or the foundation may need major repair if not immediately relatively soon. 

Though, my main goal is to be break-even or close to it in cash flow once a property manager steps in to take over. 

I left them recently like many others have in the last 5 months and even though our money was technically an investment and a limited partner contribution, they refused to give anyone their money back even after stating numerous times they would give people their money back if they choose to leave. 

I got so lucky - the first 3 years, during the depths of the pandemic, I had a perfect tenant, no problems, even during the storms. 

Even better if they are small multis. 

and even if you aren't going to do an inspection, can you walk it with a couple contractors?

If the LLC and its income are entirely outside California, it typically does not require registration with the California Secretary of State (SOS) or payment of California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) fees, even if you reside in California.