Some of the best information in connecting with that Architect is their knowledge of the locale and areas which are the easiest to get permits and start work quickly.

I’ve had this issue multiple times in different rentals and the easiest, the most obvious, and sometimes the only, way to figure out what’s going is to open up the ceiling where it’s leaked.

Quote from @Bruce Woodruff: Generally speaking, the Keurig style are the best and easiest for a STR.

Sure if you dont have your own 3-5% down payment then yes use DPA if you really want to buy.After going over the pros and cons typically our FTHB'ers or first time home buyers end up getting a gift or bring in their own 1-2% down + 1-3% gift and end up with 3-5% down payment and borrow at regular FHA/conventional rates (avoid the DPA program rates).This is actual experience.

I've learned the easiest way to do this is ask the owner to remove everything unnecessary for guest use AND give us permission and the freedom to remove items as we see best.Less stuff in the home, less issues and less work each turnover.

Looking at you @Lance Kawakami Steve every now and then there is someone like Lance that pops on to BP and thinks he is gods gift to comedy...

Buying a turnkey property is the easiest way to get a feel for being a landlord without all the hassle of rehabbing a place.

The easiest way is to do a BRRRR on light-value add properties.

While investing locally is usually the easiest route, SoCal can be challenging with high entry costs and competition (though it’s definitely doable!). 

That would be the easiest route with a lot of turnovers