@Nick StangoYou know, asking a question here should provide straightforward answers.To find a useful albeit generic purchase contract go to BP under resources and scroll down to FilePlace.Goodluck.

(sorry the @mention didn't pick you up, for some reason if I have to scroll down the list, I lose the window with names so if you're not at the top, I can't get your name) @Brandon Turner ?

(make sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page and set your filters to see events near you)Maybe I’ll see you at one of these meetups!

Scroll down to the blue section, about the 2nd half of that section:http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/se...But, basically, what it says, is that normal wear and tear happens from using something in a normal manner over time.So, a worn knob would be normal wear and tear.  

You'll ask specific questions because you already know that that type of rental will cash flow for you, and you want to rent to students (as an example).Or maybe it will be that you want to rent to temporary contractors or AirBnB.Then, an agent can do the searching for you for the property you want, without you having to scroll though listings on the MLS that don't have enough photos, etc.But, to ask an agent to figure out the above, I think is asking too much. 

They can't require cash (unless the tenant wrote a bad check, and then only for 3 months):https://legiscan.com/CA/text/SB1267/id/1390431You have to scroll down to see where the bill was approved by a majority, to add the section that says a landlord must include in the rental agreement, the name and address of who the tenant can mail rent payment to.It's California Civil Code Section 1962(a)(2)(B):(B) The rental agreement or lease shall disclose a name andaddress to which the rent may be tendered by mail.So, in CA, the ability to require your tenants to pay by electronic transfer was short-lived.

Don't go off the Zestimate, scroll through listings that fit your parameters of property (size, beds, quality, location, etc.). 

As you scroll through fackbook or other sites you see various life hacks about cooking, landscaping, etc.

These are handy to find some of the numbers you need:This one will give you average rents and vacancy rates (scroll down to see vacancy rates after you choose a metro area:https://www.deptofnumbers.com/rent/Property tax calculator: https://smartasset.com/taxes/property-taxesI am a doubting Thomas. 

If so, try doing your calculations in Utah without a manager.I have been using this calculator to figure out cash flow:https://www.calculator.net/rental-property-calculator.htmlTo fill in some of the blanks I use this website for rent vacancy rates (scroll down the page):https://www.deptofnumbers.com/rent/For property tax rates, I can usually just Google it.This website is interesting to compare livability between different cities:https://www.areavibes.com/But, really, I think it's best to buy in an area you know, if possible, and close enough to self-manage as easily as possible.