What is your price point and are you looking for turn-key properties or something along the lines of a "fixer upper"?

An example of a mistake was a line item for alimony that I found on my taxes (I am single and have never been married).

Plus, it can make things easier when scaling your portfolio down the line.

Quote from @Brandon Foster: Hello Ryan,STR is do able in the north county area but there are a lot of rules and regulations.The city of Oceanside right now will not allow anything STR unless it’s west of pacific coast hwy.This is changing a lot too so you need to be aware of that in your plans.Carlsbad is super strict too but there are some condos that are still available to do STR in.Medium term rentals are as safer bet but way less profitable.

Best bet would be a “partnership” with a monied individual looking for a high risk/high return passive investment with you providing the “active” part.  

I've had this line in my profile for like 5 years.

Working with a 1031 exchange specialist can also help keep things on track.Bottom line: Start early, have backup options, and consider a reverse exchange if timing is a concern.

This year I received a bill from the PM with the following line items and costs: - Bathroom 1 : Shower/Tub Caulking | Re-caulk tub- Bathroom 1 : Toilet bolt caps | Missing bolt cap- Bathroom 1 : Window Covering | Missing miniblinds- Bedroom 1: closest to the front door : Door/Knob/Lock | Door know needs tightenedNeeds deadbolt installed- Bedroom 1: closest to the front door : Window Covering | Broken miniblinds needs repaced- Kitchen 1 : Wall/Ceiling | Pull nails and spackle- Living Room 1 : Wall/Ceiling | Nail and holes in paneling- Living Room 1 : Window Covering | Miniblinds need repairedLine ItemsDescription AmountMacomb Glass Invoice $40.99Sherwin Williams Invoice $40.60Walmart Invoice $62.37Total $2,271.271 of 2Ace Hardware Invoice $82.93Ace Hardware Invoice $28.33Ace Hardware Invoice $42.50Macomb Glass Invoice $188.58Walmart Invoice $135.30Ace Hardware Invoice $65.19Ace Hardware Invoice $9.78Shop Supplies $3.00Labour hours 24.18 @$65 rate $1,571.70Total $2,271.27This is a very small, one bedroom apartment in a fourplex. 

The interior will need to be repaired and repainted.I've done several 1900 - 1920's and while they usually have good bones, the electrical can be underpowered for today's needs, and the water lines can be corroded galvanized or even lead.

i don't recommend buying a random property in a random midwest state for $118K that looks great but actually needs a new furnace, a new roof and a new sewer line, and will crush you with capex and make you sad.hope that helps.