Our life is complicated and I work a complicated stressful job, but if we’re being honest, I also don’t have time for renters, but I somehow make it work and I personally think it pays off.Mtg: 1800Rent: 2900Owe: 200Rate: 4.5 I thinkSell Price: est. 450-460No other rentals except an in law suite on our current primaryFuture goals: would love to use this properly to buy other properties to get out of the corporate rat race. 

Hi Anthony-You asked about the best ways to find off-market deals for your in-laws to buy and move into and you are focussed on the Santa Barbara, CA area which I have been to and it is gorgeous.It kind of reminds me of an Ann Arbor on the ocean. :)Anyway, I like your strategy of driving and looking for houses in need of repair and sending handwritten letters and contacting rentals for the reasons you gave.

You don't have to sign the agreement, though some state laws require an exclusive contract.

Perhaps it is hard for people from the states to understand - but the rule of law, and clarity in regulations etc really makes it so much more attractive than other places where you never know what new policies might come into effect forcing you to take massive loses etc.

There is an implied covenant of "quiet enjoyment" by law that can be enforced.

The price points are still affordable - around $120k-$180k, plus the laws are super landlord-friendly. 

You will want to know your state laws regarding deficiency judgments, and whether your deficiency will survive the DIL. 

The law here says eviction is a public interest issue (of course it is!!!) 

Detached: A separate structure like a tiny house, guest house, or mother in-law suite in the backyard.2.

The reasoning from 2 was COVID and another said they changed the laws response to 2008.