I’ve been involved in real estate investing for over 30 years, so if you ever have any questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out.

5k a I don’t mind if it takes a few years, and I’m willing to be as actively involved as needed to achieve my goals.

You're learning about the eviction process, tenant screening (never "word of mouth" again), the power of a lease WHEN not IF a neutral third party needs to be involved, tenant/landlord laws, and managing tenants who don't care about your business the way you do. 

Simplified ManagementFor those managing multiple properties, AB 2622 streamlines operations by expanding your hiring pool and removing the red tape often associated with minor repairs.Why It Matters for TenantsTenants also benefit from AB 2622:Faster Maintenance: Minor issues like plumbing or lighting can now be resolved promptly.Fairer Move-Out Costs: Affordable repairs mean tenants aren’t hit with inflated charges for damage beyond normal wear and tear.Things to Keep in MindWhile AB 2622 makes maintenance easier, landlords should still vet unlicensed workers carefully, ensure proper insurance coverage, and remember that jobs requiring permits must involve licensed contractors.AB 2622: A Win-Win for California’s Rental MarketAB 2622 strikes a balance between flexibility and accountability, making it easier for landlords to maintain high-quality rentals while fostering better tenant relationships.

Personally, I would never invest in a place I didn't even visit and also meet/interview the people who would be involved (agent, manager, contractor, etc.)

That said, you could go to the mayor and police chief and ask what steps were taken with the involved officers.

In addition, you still need to meet the IRS requirements for material participation in each property or elect to group themBased on what you say it sounds like it would be challenging for you and your wife to meet these requirements unless she gets involved in more real estate activities that qualify for REPS hours. ...

Jim's bleating about government being involved.

That way, you can get your foot in the door, start building equity, and stay at home a bit longer to save more money.You could also consider the BRRRR method where you buy a fixer-upper, rehab it to add value, rent it out, and then refinance to pull your cash back out.

Hard to fault her very methodical informed decision.