But they were selling an expensive house in California and had horrible credit.

A few years ago there were a lot of get rich quick types, and I still get contacted by people who think they can buy 2 houses and retire on the cashflow. 

Wish they would build houses with this style of architecture still.

I have done some deals that barely have a little positive cash flow in neighborhoods that I know very well and know that the house should appreciate well and that I will have no problem always finding great tenants.Hope all this helps.

They live in a semi HCOL area called Torrance (house is in a good zip code 90503).

Hi Meghan,   My wife and I live in Coon Rapids, but have 2 rental houses in Duluth that we rent to college students.

I was broke enough that I couldn't afford rent at my apartment, but fortunately my landlord didn't notice, thanks in part or in whole due to some substance abuse issues.Anyways, when visiting my mom in the neighborhood where I grew up, I had noticed this construction van at a house on our street.

We are not familiar with any of these markets, nor do we have anyone trustworthy there, or a real estate agent.Our approach would be both rental and house flipping.

My favorite ones (as a Contractor) are those like : "How much will it cost to re-wire my entire house?"....."...

I just closed today on the sale of the second house and have ended the nightmare!