By scrolling down, I can usually find the property taxes for previous years, giving me a rough estimate of those costs.

You should always look for Tax-Deferred and Tax-free methods to Invest.

Multifamily offers steady income, scalability, and tax advantages, though it requires more upfront capital and management skills.

Most lenders will not loan to you if you have no prior mortgage.

A contractor hired by the prior owner of a property got stiffed. 

I am doing this now and included Seller's transfer tax.

You'll have your standard recording fees and mortgage tax, etc. 

My friend once found an old zoning map from his city archives that helped prove his property was being taxed incorrectly.

The sellers have not been responsive when asked to provide that information, which is why I was wondering if it's a typical practice prior to submitting an offer. 

The low income versus high cost of living is referred to locally as the sunshine tax. https://www.businessinsider.com/most-expensive-places-to-liv...https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/sandiegocitycal...It is my view that the incomes cannot sustain the high cost of housing in San Diego but it has seemed this way to me for four decades and yet the RE prices keep increasing.