A landlord shall not demand or receive security, however denominated, including, but not limited to, prepaid rent in an amount or value in excess of one and one-half month's rent.

Take a look at this link. http://www.homedepot.com/p/DRIcore-7-8-in-x-2-ft-x...You can also install a vapor barrier to prevent cold air, moisture, etc from coming up through.

You have to regularly inspect it.You might have a moisture problem.

Is it the epitome of CA excess?

I'm just very pleased because they offer plans that are very specific to landlord needs, do not provide excessive coverage options, and are very competitively priced.Hope this helps!

I use HomeAway/VRBO and they have brought me many of my longer stay clients, but IMHO their fees are excessive and they have no clear direction.

Make sure you pay off debt that doesn't generate income in excess of it's payments (car loans, credit cards, etc.).

I think I can either make a decision to either invest in a different state and utilize the 1031 exchange, or use my FHA, live in the property, and sell and take the excess cash to use as I please.

Note as well, NFIP flood insurance only provides up to $250k in dwelling coverage which may or may not be enough to adequately cover your home--you can also pursue a private carrier which can get you excess coverage over the underlying NFIP 250k max.  

You may see this moisture escape in brick that has white streaks or areas known as efflorescence.