If you want to buy REO properties, the easiest way to narrow the market is to check the "lender owned" box on MLS.

Bigger Pockets is a great place for education and networking and is full of great content.I recommend that you check out the following resources:1.

If you're curious about California’s real estate investment check out It's Time to Invest in California, now!

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

I realize these are already very good terms, but I thought I'd check what is possible.

To make taxes easier we set up a business checking account and had all the rent paid into that account and all the expenses paid out of that account.

I'm assuming that this situation wouldn't pass inspection, but one could argue that all the spaces the guests have access to (i.e. bedroom, bathroom) are safe and habitable + the guests wouldn't be exposed to the kitchen.Also, do the city inspectors inspect other parts of the home the guests won't access (i.e. inspectors check the basement for water infiltration even though no guests would ever be living or even going down there). 

There are not a ton of comps on Zillow or other websites that I have checked and it was last sold a while ago so even these resources are unable to give me a quote.  

@Jacqueline Wright  Every auction is different so the first items to check: do they allow financing if you win the auction? 

Currently, I have a weekly check in with my current contractor, but alot of time it is a chasing game.