This room also smells kind of mildewy.I need to have somebody come out, assess the situation, determine root cause / repairs / remediation, and help me figure out a path forward.

As far as markets...I still love Corona (but I have roots there) and I think your area, Seal Beach, is fantastic because it is still relatively affordable for quaint beach living with great schools. 

Could it be that I do have a private spring, but that in the past this huge Oak (5' behind my house with branches almost to the front of my house and thus roots as well) was drinking all of the water?

I'm betting those numbers would likely be better than a turnkey out of state rental with zero appreciation (negative after adjusting for inflation) ... don't take my word for it, though, run the numbers ... this is the way to run them apples-to-apples IMO, considering ALL the profits, money in, and money out (with REAL grass roots CapEx estimates, none of this 10% or gross rents garbage) throughout the entire hold period, then calculating IRR.

It is remarkable to see people rooting for each other and offering their insight.

Emotionally, it has provided many couples a sense of ownership and a place where they can start growing “deeper roots” or their children.

As I build my wealth to provide a better life for my family, I want to stay rooted in my foundations of servitude and community.

If, however, you are putting down roots, then purchasing will save you money in the long run. 

The football scene is big in the city and most people are rooting for their Jacksonville Jaguars.

Some of the negativeee feedback is often rooted in a mismatch between investor (and their portfolio location, type and price point) and PM - if that does not line up, it will not end well.I would suggest narrow it down from online research and then interview your favorites in person.