Only problem is that when she left she closed and locked the 5 foot high chain link double gates so if I weren't there with the key to the lock the guy couldn't get in the yard to read her note. 

This could easily be interchanged with the most important item because you want to invest in a property that is in a location that brings as much foot traffic and tourism as possible.

When you zoom out and look at the big picture every rental property needs a total gut rehab every 30-50 years at about $50-$80 per square foot, which will long term wipe out all your cash flow and then some if you don't have corresponding appreciation to offset.I have been investing in Milwaukee for 15 years and it took me a while to see this pattern.

Orcutt one sale - sold for $4000 more than similar square foot sfr, The Groves and Vista Del Sol no SFR sales with an ADU exist in past 90 days.  

Or are there other options involving financing that will help me get my foot in the door sooner?

You stated you were relieved by their payment after being late the first time.

I invest exclusively overseas as I can get better returns than at home in the right places but I wouldn't touch Thailand with a 10-foot pole, unless it's for lifestyle.

Parked his truck on the side of the road, was on foot when he was shot in the back by a 15 yr old gangster with a lengthy rap sheet.

I don't post here often, but I do like what Henry Clark had to say earlier about choosing properties that have been on the market for a LONG time.I used that strategy for a 1031 exchange from a small condo to a 6ish thousand square foot commercial office building (no experience).

The purchase price of this three bedroom two bath 2100 square foot home is $230,000.