I keep coming across posters asking for advice on how to “scale” their investment or business activities.  

So i am not currently actively seeking brrrr opportunities (but if one fell into my lap, i would no complain).Likely the most sure value add in So Cal at this point are lot splits.  

We are not in a normal world.

Security Deposit: 2600Lease states no smoking/painting walls/no hanging things on wallsTenants have moved out and have left two truck loads of garbage to be removed.Damaged doorPainted walls which got on the ceiling and trim Lots of holes on the walls throughout the houseDamage from windows being left open constantly Weed was clearly smoked in the house (smell throughout the place) so we need to deep cleanWater bill wasn't paid so I had to turn back on utilityMissing keyQuoted costs:$450 junk removal (some furniture)$935 for damaged doors/windows, painting cleaning$30 for utility turn onTenants were only there for a year before moving out so a lot of this is beyond normal wear and tear. 

For last three years I had good occupancy, now seeing a slowdown - not sure if it is a market shift or just normalizing from the Pandemic.

Most agents paying for leads are inexperienced, which is why they need to pay for leads.Look for an agent with a minimum of 15 years of active experience.

It's not normal to do it prior to an accepted offer.

Material participation in the rental activities still required. 

Check to see if you can market to people on active foreclosures and make an offer to buy their properties.  

I have yet to come across a policy that covered for fraud or illegal activities.