Even still, it could be said that I've still lost money due to my time on the tools instead of prospecting as a real estate agent (the cost of lost opportunity).If you can truly do 80%-90% of the work yourself (at acceptable quality levels) and you aren't sacrificing your time where you can get better returns for your efforts, then yes, it can work even up here in Canada.

Visit RestoreFMB.com for practical resources and tools that can be replicated in other communities to help LA through this process.No one rebuilds alone.

What property management software or tools would you recommend for tracking rent payments, leases, and maintenance requests?

There are many tools out there. 

Tools like the BiggerPockets calculator and books like The House Hacking Strategy can guide you further.

You can also check meetup.com or search Facebook for real estate investment groups, clubs, or meetings in your area.Here is my generic beginner advice.1.

I did a search on the forums and insurance seems like it could be a major problem.Shouldn't be an issue at all. 

Looks like they are all not getting along:Orange County Clerk of Courts Records Search (myorangeclerk.com)

Also, I am so grateful for the Bigger Pockets podcasts and tools/resources because a lot of what I've learned or clarified has been from listening to you all.Thank you for your time, and I look forward to learning from or working with you all!

There are some great tools out there always, but get connected and network as much as possible.