Some people prefer to go back and do the dirty work, while others prefer to start from 1/1/16 and maintain it regularly.  

We are in the same neighborhood and there are quite a few BP members that meets regularly Des Moines, Seattle, Lakewood and Bellevue, WA.

I'd suggest joining the local REIA, the Bluegrass Real Estate Investors Group, They have regular monthly meetings.

I regularly deal with two mgmt companies that I own properties with.

I'm in the National Guard in SC, so not full time, but my brother is active duty regular Army and will be looking to get into REI at some point too.

If I understand the little I have read about the process, this is how it works:A regular lease is signed, just as for any rental, and in addition to that, a purchase option.

Goal is to buy at least 2per year or have 10 cashflow rental properties within 5.Are there regularly meets in the Orange County area?

You ought to be able to prevent most of what you're worried about through screening and regular, open communication with tenants.

You would qualify under all of the regular owner occupancy financing guidelines.  

Still work my regular job and hungry for that deal that will break the barrier and allow me to do this full time. thanks for reading a liitle about me  and to bigger pockets for providing this wonderful platform.Josh Sharon