Sure, they may be able to grow to a very moderate size,  add a few units, or trade up to a larger investment, but as for real scalability: NO.Why?  

Starting out?

I can only think of 2 times inn the last decade my client has had to go though an eviction and both times it started cause the owner and tenant had personal issues. 

Start by getting familiar with your local market.

I’m starting to feel a little confident about moving forward.

Also CA requires you to be licensed to originate DSCR and Hard Money Loans (I see on your bio you service CA), and there are many other states that are starting to follow pursuit.

In order to do this you need to have deal flow and you need to know 1) How to recognize a good, profitable deal, 2) How to put together funds quickly to buy the deal before someone else does and in such a way where you are protected and the deal is protected, 3) How to run the project so that you follow the budget and don't overspend or overbuild, 4) How to attract an end buyer or a renter and which documents to use to protect yourself and the buyer, 5) If you are going to keep the property then you need to know how to set up the property from the start to best help you in the refinance later, and 6) You need to know how you are planning on managing the property from the beginning in order to make sure it will be profitable at the end.

And then you have started. 

Hi Anthony, it sounds like you’re in a good position to start building your STR portfolio, especially with no debt, great credit, and rent-free living!

I am beginning to worry after the recent fires, so I am starting now.