We currently use Rent Manager for our property management software for our mobile home parks and other rentals, etc, but use QBO as our main accounting books.  

You really want to have your contract approved by an attorney even though California doesn't use attorneys for transactions.

@Nik Farooqui You are correct in that GC licensing is never a requirement but it is more of a "silent factor" that can make a lender more comfortable lending hard money and thus the approval and loan process easier.

You need a proof of funds or a pre-approval to go with any offer so if it's hard money, they will issue a letter.

There will always be demand in the market (it's not like some covid markets that could disappear as vacation destinations almost entirely over the next decade), and the regulation risk is as near to zero as you can get in this industry so long as you buy in the approved tourist zones (again, compared to some smaller/less mature markets where they could outlaw STRs tomorrow).For short period cash flow there are better options. 

While traditional banks provide lower interest rates, they come with strict approval processes and long wait times.

First things first: Before diving into any market, talk to a lender to understand your financing options and get pre-approved.

I hope tenant willingly leaves because NYCHA actually notified months ago that she was approved for another voucher.

Quote from @Gabriel Santin: You can get an approval from the HML and get that to show the agent..

*I USED to own properties in San Mateo Co CA (Silicon Valley)and found that the Building/planning dept was so malfeasant and next to impossible to work with that I sold my properties AFTER I spent YEARS trying to 1st get plans approved,** then completing the work.