On paper returns, look excellent but when you put it into practice, you don't seem to get the same kinds of returns. 

They might be fine managing new construction, but I have seem MANY investors almost tank from their fee schedule on managing older homes...i would compare it to almost predatory practice.

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.

I will give you the common-sense answer below, but this is California, where common sense doesn't exist.A mandatory evacuation is outside of your control, so you shouldn't suffer financially because of it.

I'm sure there are many more experiences where the contractor hasn't fulfilled their scope of work and gotten away with rushing the project to meet the deadline, And, I don't want to be as naive to say that I'm that 1% who can have complete quality/operational control, but I'm confident I can establish a system and hire independent inspectors to review the contractor's work. 

However, I’m unsure of the actual process of paying myself as a business owner.Here are some questions I’m hoping to get clarity on:How do you legally and practically pay yourself from your Airbnb income?

Take back your control of the property; the tenant doesn't get to dictate terms.

And all of this happens during the contract period reducing purchasing risk.Great strategy especially when practiced just on the outskirts of a major metro area in a country setting(a weekend getaway property that can be marketed to city folk).  

(I'm non confrontational)The plot has a native American burial site, which we spoke to a tribe member and gladly let them onsite for rituals and practice. 

While it's more expensive than Ohio, it's still cheaper compared to California.Additionally, consider the practicality of traveling to your investment market.