Contract negotiation/formulation, title company coordination, pulling comparable sales reports from their local Multiple Listing Service, rent estimation (if a rental property), neighborhood information (more important for out of state investors), and an honest/informed second opinion.

I guess the only difference is that all the guidance/information they give comes together strategically where else I would have to find bits and pieces and put them together myself for it to make sense.

I will use the Country Cotton or Fresh Linen in basements and garages.I will place them strategically throughout the house, hidden from view if possible.

Some of this is likely strategic, but he's had such high turnover I wouldn't be surprised if some stuff is just falling through the cracks.

For most of them I have 60% or more equity because the properties have appreciated so much.What you will find is that for the first few years it will be hard to make any money as you reinvest in the property (strategic remodelling, capEX needs that inevitably occur, and tenants that trash the place - make ready). 

We strategically only buy high quality properties in high quality areas. 

I would say I'm not willing to divulge what that would look like here, but for loyal clients, I'm always willing to strategize and work out solutions

Granted, they may all be sold by the time I get mine on, but I've started packing, and strategizing is good.

Perhaps you should make an effort to be better informed and then formulate your OWN opinions rather than echoing others' opinions and relying on gossip and hearsay.

We know that turning a profit in California is near impossible, but we want to live in California AND we want to be strategic with our first home by thinking of it as an investment strategy.