Buying a property in California leads to two-inch thick binder of paperwork you have to sign (in fairness, in places like Ohio, the buying process is pretty easy).

I am thick skinned

No, here in Toledo Republic has the big thick individual cans for the trucks with the lift on them.

But Ive got a thick cash reserve so I think I can ride it out.

It depends on the thickness of your skin and your stomach.

On inspection I found newspapers and stuff stacked over my head; an overpowering but vaguely familiar odor; and a thick grey dust on everything.

It's a thick book but an easy read.

Is there a recommended mil thickness for rentals?

If you are able to save up and land a 2-4 unit property and add some value to it over time while collecting rents and learning how to manage a property, you will be on the right track and you will also learn quickly if you have the thick skin to manage multiple units over time.

Real estate is tough, and we need thick skin.