CA doesn't recognize series LLCs, so yes, you would need to be careful with costs for any structure that you put in place. 

With the holiday season approaching, a significant donation to your favorite non-profit or church could provide a tax deduction while supporting a cause you care about.Ultimately, the right strategies really depend on your overall situation, and we’d need more details to offer more specific advice.

Most neighborhoods are newer with severe restrictions on rentals....same with Melissa and many places in Forney and Princeton, so you have to be super careful with that. 

As long as the investor was good with the price you gave them, they won’t care that you are making money and most are actually happy that you are.  

Those costs do not include court fees and publication fees.Also known as Alabama note the borrower does have a redemption period so be careful not to go in and renovate the place during the redemption Period.

Analyze your deals carefully, ensuring the property generates positive cash flow and returns on investment.

or they just care about the house being "liveable"?

No one will care about you place as much as you, but they are also a go to place for some people who are looking for rentals.I would sell a place if there is frequent turnover and repairs or if your long term goals have changed.

Some buyers will care, some not.

But if the manager is at least good enough that they care about their long-term reputation (and also trying to get you to be an investor in future deals)...then this might help.If they are a bad one (or a good one and unable to change), then this is unlikely to make any difference.Remotely you can also do things like doing Google maps drive-bys, etc.