My 2 cents: it sounds like you've got to pick a lane and stay in it, become an expert, and level up in that lane.

I personally would stay away from condo-tels as they will be even worse and you'll have less opportunity to cash flow. 

The squeaky wheel wins in development so I'd recommend you staying on all communication with the city so that you can see the communication and push as the owner.

As we have all seen, Californians are leaving in droves over the past couple of years, and fleeing to Florida, Texas and yep...Arizona.As long as we continue to stay under LAs housing market for affordability, we are going to continue to net those homeowners wanting an upgrade to a bigger house or lot. 

Water bills go with owners but it's sewer bills that stay with the property.

I stayed with a buddy in Roppongi Minato  when I was there.  

Without my wife's direct involvement, I think some of our homes would have struggled to stay afloat.   

Great advice, to stay practical!  

She helps design the rehabs and remodels, while I look at the numbers, do the more labor intensive work, and make sure we stay on track.

Stay for the forums, avoid the Bigger Pockets upsells and you will be golden.