You need to be able to search the web to investigate homes, use new programs that help me with automation and be looking out for new tools I can put in my toolbox. 

That is not a good investment regardless of any tax deductions.This is not to say that there is not good deals there, just a warning that there are many that are not.Forget about tax incentives and investigate the deal based on the merits of the cash flow.

I have been listening to the pod casts, watching the webinars, doing some analysis, trying to convince my wife,  and investigating my local market for flips and buy&hold.  

compare that to the retail value and see if it is worth further investigation.  

If you investigate the property correctly and do your due diligence, you'll have all the information you need to make a purchase decision. 

Usually residents will contact you if they feel there is a need to address the door being propped open...try to investigate why it is ajar but really, there are probably other things you should be more concerned with.

Are agents spitefully and/or desperately calling principals-only ads and dishing out misleading incorrect legal advice in order to get their foot in the door and/or to vacate an urgent closing deal or the like, not worried about open investigations by CalBRE?

Open to investigate different options.

So I would love some guidance and to hear how you other investors look at properties, generally run the numbers and determine if it will cashflow or if is a good potential worth further investigating.

They are cheaper, safer, legal, and you are less likely to be sued or investigated.