There are so many reasons...Bad things happen to good people...I believe there no one God's green earth who wants to lose their shelter.   

@Amiris Brown If I found myself in a position where I had to "convince, pitch and sell" I would know that I've done something wrong.I know that as a newbie it must seem like professional investors have got to be the greatest salespeople on earth, able to sell ice in Iceland etc etc.

My tenant in a SFR in Aurora, Colorado is clueless on lawn maintenance (their responsibility per lease) and  now  even though the yard has a sprinkler system is scorched earth/weeds and I received a violation letter for City of Aurora.

What on earth did they think was going on during the whole process?

Our goal is not to be bazillionaires, if we get there someday great, but the goal is to do what we love and spend as much of the little time we have on this earth with the people we love... and have FUN doing it!

My idea is to:Use Google Earth to find potential attics Find information about the owners of the other apartments in the buildingContact these owners through direct mailAny good ideas or feedback?

Just like the Maunder minimum it is a time when far less energy will be transferred to earth. 

With a fixed paid down mortgage, a low Prop 13 tax base your are living in one of the best places on earth for very little. 

Great subject to google earth and see miles of paved roads with the occasional house dotted in there.Much like the desert massive subdivisons of the west that were created in the early 20th century...

Why on earth would you need sprinklers in triplex?