We are the owner and landlord of the properties, not the operators.

Unless I'm mistaken, the contract between owner/landlord and PadSplit doesn't have a defined monthly rent but a target/goal of monthly income (so it's hard to use that as lease).

Tyler,Within my 20 years of experience as a landlord, if I had $150k and good credit, I’d focus on either flips for fast capital or rentals for long-term cash flow—trying both at once can slow you down.

CA is an expensive market and regarding tenant laws in my eyes more complicated/difficult as a rookie landlord.

And make a few bucks a month as a landlord ..

Quote from @Reyna Ayala: Hi first time landlord to a duplex in new city.

Is the landlord or your boss, not a great first mentor?

As an out of state Landlord, this is something that probably would be helpful to you. 

Thanks Talk to experienced PM's and Landlords in the area.

Both Indianapolis and Louisville are excellent markets to consider—affordable entry points, landlord-friendly laws, and steady rental demand.Since your background is in data science and analytics, you already have a strong foundation for analyzing deals.