The bay area has many old houses so be aware of what it will take to being them up to code and meet insurance requirements.

I don't see how they relate to wanting to educate myself or asking for reading recommendations. .I was responding to your comment: "if I get involved in any sub to deals"Education is always great, and subject to is legal as long as it's done legally.Here is how it is set up if you do it wronglySince law is is difficult for some people, let me be more clearThere are various codes that can be violated when buying properties (the definitions are easy to find with a quick search)Equity skimmingEquity strippingForeclosure RescueMortgage FraudShort SellingFalse StatementsWire FraudBank Fraud and so onhere's a sample12 U.S.

As the tax code is concerned all of the costs to create your rental property business (buying it and making it usable for it's intended use) and one in the same. 

This is for serious people who read this.Since law is is difficult for some people, let me be more clearThere are various codes that can be violated when buying properties (the definitions are easy to find with a quick search) Equity skimming Equity strippingForeclosure Rescue Mortgage Fraud Short Selling False Statements Wire Fraud Bank Fraud and so onhere's a sample12 U.S.

Also what is the Housing Maintenance Code.

I really can say that everything needs to be perfectly handled without any room for error.However, you do not need to go and study all aspects of Dodd/Frank, Safe Act, Senate Bill 43, the Property Code, the Finance Code, insurance law and all case law regarding wraps. 

I had an electrician run wires in an attic, telling me up front that the house won't be up to codes, he's only doing the one or two things I asked.

A shower is generally acceptable as long as it meets building code requirements for plumbing and drainage.

Once they honor the agreement (which should be within the next week), I see no reason for them to follow-up with me unless I was interested in purchasing another property.

If before getting a permit you have to dance around for Code Dept officials/ city gov and crime is thru the roof, investments will definitely be low whether real estate or other, but it should be benefiting the city officials to keep things that way.