An agent can help with flips and be aware of the new NAR rules that you'll have to sign a rep agreement before viewing a property

Quote from @Justin Brin: Have you had any luck finding landlord insurance in California?

Based on what you say, your business partner will have Suspended Passive Activity Losses if you decide to pursue cost seg + REPS tax strategy.

The account rep I was assisgned, Michael Johnson, has been exceptional. 

And just in case the family stays longer than insurance will pay for.

Quote from @Aaron Zimmerman: @Justin Cummings - congratulations on building a nearly paid off portfolio.

I know you see a LOT of posts @Jay Hinrichs, so give it a few days and I'm sure just like the Justin Nyugen guy we got, more people will feel comfortable coming out of the woodwork bringing up some cases related to these name which will help law enforcement. 

The pipes have to be dewinterized so I would have a plumbing professional there prior and when the water gets turned back on just in case.

My title rep pulled a property profile on the house and it shows as a 2/2. 

You don't want to flip in the Bay Area without knowing the repair costs and as others have said, this is a time and reps thing, as well as who you know.