However, most of these properties still cash flow well (or enough to cover PITI). 

.🔹 Insurance Challenges – Even when insurance pays, it rarely covers the actual cost to completely rebuild.

Of course, with all things, the answers to all these matters will depend on the circumstances.California tends to have more laws on the books and requirements and restrictions that it can be a good idea to form a CA LLC for out of state property so that you as a CA resident are covered, and to try to have your contracts fall under the purview of CA courts.

Lower property taxes, affordable housing compared to LA (CA buyers are usually cash buyers because what they net from their smaller home in CA can get them a bigger home here, often covered by what they net from their CA sale), allergies (smog), and politics. 

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620 (approaching 22% probability of default), many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

Yes, 2 percent.Then again, we are heavy with staff so that stuff gets done for our owners.

It’s ran like a business, not a personal investment.Given the heavy workload I have being the CEO/founder of the wealth management company, my wife has set up a well oiled machine on the property management side, due to her perfectionist drive however, it still means that she's constantly dealing with tenants and toilets and replying to items at all hours of the day and night.

However, if the FHA interest rate is lower, I would still go that route and if rates drop refinance  however keep in mind FHA has PMI for life  Here you go FHA has the self sustaining requirement that requires the three non owner occupied  units to cover the entire PITI which with 3.5% or 5% down is virtually impossible with today's interest rates and price level.

I will PM you my rep -- they are in Indianapolis, but if they don't cover your territory, I am sure they can send you contact info for someone. 

You'll want the rents to at least cover the monthly principal, interest, taxes and insurance (and HOA if there is one).