Flipping a brand new home likely wouldn’t bring much profit - especially after having to close twice when you first buy it, and later sell it.Maybe you have millions to spend and I’m just missing the big picture… but when I think of “income” I’m usually thinking “net income” after you factor in expenses, like purchase price or building costs?  

If it had been my client buying this property, they would have paid a lot less even with the full commission factored in. 

(Of course, there is a factor that higher rating will increase my booking but that is not just coming from adding one or two amenities) Besides item 5 and 6, I am not sure how much other items will attract more guests to my business.

It's just not the reality.I don't know your wife's income so it's hard to know what you need to replace in order to let her retire but if you think you'll get her retired in the next year or 2....you will have a 99% chance of being let down.Becoming financially free, or not needing a 2 income household comes down to 2 simple factors.

One thing to consider is that in terms of wealth building and Kiyosaki's Cashflow Quadrant, owing a rental and doing work yourself is putting you in the self-employed quadrant, not Business Owner or Investor.I think there are a lot of factors stacked against California for long term rentals, and I think you know it too! 

This reminds me of how Alex Hormozie describes "the value equation"; Experience in this case is the factor that determines the likelihood of achievement. 1,000%Alex Hormozie is one of the greatest marketers not just alive, but ever. 

The main factor is will rents cover the debt liability and can you sustain 3-4 months of no income to cover the debt? 

But since I'm dumb when it comes to such I may forever pay the price.  

With the idea you get your 6k back when fund deal/deals  MLM all the way sell the futures and the deals that Cogo did pay me off on as you stated took forever to fund and the rates were even higher than mine :)  Its just a very good Guru selling his stuff we all know they make the money selling the 6k how to become a lender. :)  

Know the major risk factors for the type of opportunity you are pursuing, and the minor ones.