I tend to think that they are renting out close to market because the landlord turns a blind eye to the fact that there are 7+ people living in units suited for 2-4 people.

You seem to blindly attack what you do not understand or know and are not open to learn.

Now the last piece for me before I feel confident making offers is getting a grasp on a potentials deal's rehab needs (the rehab part is my big blind spot as an investor).I've put together a list of about 10-12 contractors to initially contact in the area, but I feel a bit hazy on the bid process, and how often you can ask contractors to look at houses and give you an estimate on repairs.

I am just double-checking other options. 3- Based on my calculations so far, the damage and charges due to cleaning including vertical blinds, wall and carpet cleaning exceeds their security deposit amount.

Are we just a small group of people that get it and the rest are blind?

@Claudia Lewis,I'd consider all to be normal wear and tear.The only possible exception would be if the blinds were the expensive wide plantation type blinds that cost a couple hundred dollars per window. 

Dirt and mold covering the walls and blinds in every room.

Now, there's a big difference between jumping blindly into something vs. doing your homework and penciling out the numbers to see if the investment makes sense.

Now, there's a big difference between jumping blindly into something vs. doing your homework and penciling out the numbers to see if the investment makes sense.

Once you've got the financing lined up, your agent should be able to help you determine the perfect area to find a duplex, analyze rents, crime, etc.But beware, if your agent mostly deals in single family homes and has never worked with investment property like this before they may lead you astray as it'll be the blind leading the blind.Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions about the Sacramento market or investing in general and we'll try to get you pointed in the right direction :-)