What we're talking about goes way beyond simple FRL.

I recommend a simple spreadsheet to check your math and it will make it simple to adjust each year.End the complaints.

Somehow, I had it in my head that I didn't want to do a cost seg, I like to keep things simple and cost seg seemed not worth it, so I have been investing for over a decade before we did the first.

For your first deal, it might be beneficial to try doing some of the simple work yourself so you know what goes into it.

I get CA desirability but there is a simple factor of income and affordability.

You'd be surprised at how the simple things, like answering an email within 24-48 hours versus two weeks (or never!)

The BEST method for real estate investing is very simple: increase earnings, reduce expenditures, save, and invest from your own funds.You should focus on increasing earnings and learning how to manage your budget.

The simple answer is yes. 

Then you could get a rug with a simple trellis pattern in one of those colors.  

STRs are not complex they are simple.