For most out of state investors Vegas isn't the answer it is similar to the inland empire but more isolated from the job centers in LA and Orange County (ie if you live in Vegas you work in Vegas)  I encourage you to look at both and possibly other markets, but if you are counting on appreciation and are planning to hold for a long time Prop 13 in CA is a nice thing to have.

I would HIGHLY encourage you to start with a SFR if that’s what you think you’re prepared for.

I encourage everyone to read it really quick to give you the basic background information on the property that I purchased.

Thanks for the warm welcome and encouraging words @Brandon Leiser and @Christian Laines!

After it happened I vowed to never encourage anyone to rent from a service member due to lopsided laws in their favor. 

I've just very briefly touched upon a couple, and I'd encourage you to read through what interests you on these.In regards to syndication, there isn't an "average" to be doing this. 

Anchorage is multi-family heavy for owner occupants and investors...so they tend to take decent care of them...at least enough to not get foreclosed on or so run down they cannot resell close to market value.I would encourage you to connect with MULTIPLE RE Investing friendly  agents and let them know what you're looking for.

This will encourage him to want to keep place in good clean condition and not talk badly about any potential issues.If he is not going to comply with your wishes then I would wait till he is out before showing house.

@Brannan Beasley thanks for the encouragement.

I would encourage you to find a group of like-minded individuals and hang with them.