Home Improvement appears to only require proof of incorporation and the appropriate level of liability insurance. 

It's 'Incorporating".  

Then give the proper legal notice, as required for your jurisdiction, for making a change to the rental agreement to incorporate these policies.

Can someone please explain to me how to get articles of incorporation??

Its great if someone can find a single person to teach them the business, but from my experience it's more of picking up information from a broad group of investors and incorporating that info into my routine.Hope that helps :)

I don't really have an interest in corporate america, and I want to get into real estate as soon as possible.  

We did one where the 1987 OSB they used for flooring was too thin & sagged between the joists.I used the same leveling compound they use for tile work laid a heavy pad & carpeted over the floors.The foyer & hallway we just tiled after the same leveling.If the joists have sagged it's a lot more work ESP if the flooring is the old tongue in groove pine with a subfloor on top.But one of my friends many years ago used Fiber glass shards & resin to fill the voids, but he got it as waste product from the place he worked so it was minimal cost, but it seemed like a lot of work.Good luck

I also forgot to mention that certain incorporated areas such as Inglewood DO NOT have rent-control.

Thank each and every one of you for your responses, so much great information that will definitely be incorporated.

Line up financing..Select an agent.Meet with an attorney who is familiar with investing to have contracts drawn up (Independent Contract Agreement etc)Meet with a CPA to select best incorporation/tax stategy for the investing path you have chosen.Become ultra familiar with Home Depot, Lowes, etc in terms of the products you intend to use...Anything else?