You may want to reconsider your ultra conservative investment approach in order to grow and actually achieve positive cash flow.If you are buying homes worth 50K or less and renting for $850 + per month you are not doing as badly however you should try to find a way to pull all your dead equity especially before the markets turn and you end up losing it all.Paying off rental properties is not investing it is hoarding of cash and is extreamly expensive.Just food for thought

Should bring in $300-$400/month positive cash flow.

If positioned properly, probably more profitable in 5 years in comparison to most cash flow investment strategies.Here's my take on the matter.1.

But on the other side, I wouldn't mind seeing if Boyle Heights could create a positive renaissance age that is led by both it's own community and the newcomers.

well I am not a NPN expert by any means but this is an interesting question so this is my best guess's1. the 189k is all the property is worth.. in reality.. so that's why its listed at that price.. and probably in contract for around that number.2. the seller does not realize you own the 2nd and who ever sold you the second probably realized the value was not there and unloaded it to you.. 3. your in the drivers seat in that this deal can't close without you signing off on your payoff.4. this is a short sale .. the first lender will be asked to take a short and will usually only cooperate if you as the second take no more than about 5k for your position.5. if you paid for than a few grand for the 2nd your in jeopardy.6. if you don't cooperate and the 2nd is in default you can foreclose payoff the first and deal with the asset.. 7. if the seller gets frustrated they just walk and squat stop paying on the first it forecloses and you either pay it off or it wipes you out completely .either way.. 2nds for most folks are pretty risky.. unless of course you paid next to nothing for it and its just mad money.. that you can easily lose. and just chalk it up to well that did not work.

In answering the question of note value after 12 payments- several factors to consider:  Note Investor looks at Investment to Value ratio- so from worst case scenario want to make sure they are in a good position if the note turns non-performing. 

We have already negotiated percentage and terms including signing a promissory note and having the lender be first lien position on the SFR property.  

Although you may find yourself frustrated with limitations of cash only growth and be tempted to leverage the cash assets - again not a problem in measured amounts as you said.The run up of your CA property has positioned you to take advantage of this right now which is a rare combination of events happening only in a small portion of a macro market cycle.  

I'm not familiar with your area but if there are multi family homes available for a little bit more you might be better with that getting some positive cash flow going from the start and work on a rehab flip your next time around.

So, I think can see that you have the energy, positivity, and sheer determination to jump on the real estate investing bull and ride it out.