Research contractors better Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Show up to court on time, have all of your paperwork ready, be polite and professional, stick to the facts. 

This is relevant for multiple reasons 1) appreciation is where the real wealth is generated in RE 2) real estate has tax advantages over cash flow 3) in CA property tax increase is capped.  

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Great point about state income tax, @Jay Hinrichs.

I think a good tax person is worth their cost.  

Can anyone recommend software which would accept monthly payments (from me to seller) and create proper 1099 forms for tax purposes at year end? 

I’m told taxes and insurance is lot and will rise each year and cash flow is hard to come by.

If you are considering renting it for a minimum of 30 days, I believe you will be exempt from any short term rental rules and taxes. 

If a residential contractor can take the AIA system, paired with the commercial professionalism and apply it to their residential business, I can't imagine how they wouldn't be successful.