Regarding inspections, there was a law change at the state level limiting inspections by municipalities. so yea this is pretty normal.  

Second I would recommend finding some local real estate investor groups in your area, talking with people who are doing deals each month will take you to new levels in your educational phase plus it will help you become a familiar face and network.

As long as you can keep your reserves at the right level, use the money to expand.  

Do you have a minimum median income level in the county or a certain poverty rate?

I do not mind paying for a level of assistance but I see using a full time manager limiting my chances for a profitable property. 

I do not mind paying for a level of assistance but I see using a full time manager limiting my chances for a profitable property. 

@Marc RothFrom a macro level, we are currently in the growth phase of the RE cycle.  

But each person needs to figure out their own level of risk vs reward. 

It does not have to be in the entity  ( LLC and S-crop) CA has not enacted any legislation in response to the new 20% deduction, so it is still not sure CA will actually give you the deduction even if you qualify on the federal level. 

It really depends on what your comfort level is as far as acquiring debt.Personally I would go for more acquisitions (provided they are well thought and are bought in sound markets with numbers that make sense) and in turn more debt when starting out to increase your top line and also net cashflowEven with int rates going up I think the debt in the US is still very cheap imo.