@James Derrick the lender is unlikely to lend on a four unit when you are purchasing it for the price of a five unit and you still would need to convert it (and have the money to do so), that is probably the largest stumbling block and it has little to do with the actual profitability of the property.

It feels like every residential block I drive down has at least one dumpster on it.

Get a survey if not standard lot and block and definitely get title insurance. 

(I feel like it should be someone in close proximity in case they need to see documentation.)I've got everything pulled together and pretty much entered into the H&R Block software.

I'm in a zone that is one block from the weekly rentals too. 

It is Hardie siding so that's resistant but I don't think it blocks moisture.Photo:https://photos.app.goo.gl/8VdvUVkbqSejtjry9

So here's the ultimate conundrum:- sometimes I pick a few benchmark properties in my target area and track them to see how they're performing, BUT... you never know which dates are true revenue dates and which are simply the owner blocking the unit for their use!

I do not want to ignore real maintenance requests from him (as it is my job to react to those) but if I could I would block his number completely. 

Just a few blocks West of the 405 and one block North of  the 10 freeways and inside the new Metro-Rail 1/2 mile radius of the special incentive development rules to encourage more units for housing that allow new construction to have "special" or "liberal" allowances of set-backs, more height up to 5 stores where 4 were the max just prior. 

I‘ve hIt a road block.