Sometimes there is just no replacing putting in the time and studying homes in your area. 

Any advice on study guides or practice texts for the state portion only?

Do it yourself-study up first.

Now I know a bit about some other areas of the city, but THIS is the area I study.

I also have ideas of building a town home or rental community but there is a lot of work needed with talking to the city, environmental study, financing, low income vs not, etc. 

@Patrick Philip it's time to study real estate finance and learn how it works IF you want to roll with the big dogs.

Account Closed I'd recommend talking to a CPA who is familiar with Form 3115 and foreign real estate as it appears yours may not be, or depending on the specifics of the property having a cost segregation study done.

Once you find out what you want to do study even more and find a mentor to help you get started. 

There is more safety in owning a property outright.You should study the benefits of both, apply them to your situation, and then determine which option is best for you.

I like to study them and the Irvine company.