@Jose BotelloTax deductions for renovations in personal residences are not deductible for current use, except for home office use.

My offer did include an inspection contingency which I would not be willing to remove, but they didnt seem to have an issue with that specifically. 

I believe that if you are well versed on a specific market, or have someone who is knowledgeable in that market, you can do a successful BRRRR in another market as the local will likely have everything you need to get set up! 

Any specific workshops, courses/masterminds, or maybe finding someone that's willing to let me shadow them? 

Finance your first duplex or triplex through FHA Loan, Conventional Loan, Owner-Occupied Financing, and Portland-specific programs.

Without more details about your specific goals and experience, it's tough to give real tailored advice.

the market is unforgiving right now, and if you buy a random property by looking on Zillow and turn it over to people you don't know to manage, you'll lose money.with respect to your specific question, if the property is safe, clean, and priced correctly, it will rent. but that doesn't mean you'll make money on it. 

Specifically in Ca?

As for demand - you’ll need to research that carefully on your own, don’t take one or two people’s word if anyone even comments on that specifically.

And THEN material participation will open the deductions for you.