Unfortunately/fortunately, my clients and I have both been a position where we were armed with tenant reported violations only and acted accordingly and successfully. 

Options like a unique amortization schedule or a 3/2/1 or 2/1 stepdown interest rate could provide initial relief to get you through the renovation phase while giving the seller confidence in a structured payoff plan.To determine an entry point, consider reducing the price based on the current NOI.

Best of luck,Travis Hey Kevin,Since I definitely want to look out for your best interest, I repeat that investing out of state is the best option when you currently live in the very landlord Unfriendly state of CA.In addition, I never wanted a quad to live in as I just never liked the idea of living next to - above or below others.  

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

We get into RE to have a positive impact on our lives.  

@Bryant Xavier I have had the same fear about scewd numbers, so I love the idea of reaching out to hosts in similar positions.

Do you see them as a viable option early on, or is it better to avoid them altogether?  

@William Taylor so many options...Use your RE knowledge to: WholesaleFind rental deals to sell to investors locally or here on BPStart leveraging your personal contacts to build your sales businessFind a motivated seller willing to do seller financing:- Move in worst room or basement, rent out all the other rooms for max cashflow- You could even live in the basement and STR the rest of the house

Staging your house well can help you attract more attention from buyers, which ultimately helps it sell faster and maybe for a higher price than an unstaged home (see visual):What Are My Staging Options?

Several options, just don't wait.