A real small per unit return simply is not worth the effort of residential RE. - real wealth is tough from cash flow alone and in markets that have historical appreciation below inflation for this century the return is largely from the cash flow.  

They are simply a way for the broker to get an indication of your intentions.

I'd simply tell them that when the temperature on the thermostat is changed, it takes time to reach that temp. 

If I were to enter investing in bay area real estate now I would be looking at low priced SFHs, hold and sell once rates drop. 

So you basically enter addresses of properties in https://www.hctax.net/Property/PropertyTax and see which is is delinquent?

. - You no longer simply apply for a deed after 3 years and get it after the county attempts to find the owners.

If you were not notified, and they simply stopped.....its time to start digging to make sure something is amiss. 

If we could afford the price point in our local market we would stay in the Southern California market but its simply too expensive. 

Either share in profits, but if you simply don't want a second "cook in the kitchen" finding a passive partner may help.  

You are simply not informed to see how this chain works.