Key things to consider/evaluate in any geo area: job growth, population growth, major employers in the area (ensure these are permanent ones, f.e. hospital), town/city population size, supply vs demand for housing and what type of housing.

The purpose of the permit is to provide protection to ensure the contractor is qualified and completes the work in an acceptable manner so don't look at it as an adversary position. 

If they are VERY professional, they will have their processes in writing as verification that it is enforced equally and fairly by their entire staff. 6.

It’s worth really digging into the rules and ensuring your tenants understand them so that you aren’t paying for their behavior and that you are able to keep your cash flow intact!

As for myself, I am currently an engineer, with a little less experience in home repair, but have done my fair share.

Problem is the amount of capital required is fairly significant, with little garauntee of return if something went wrong.- Multifamily 4 to 10+ unit apt complexes.

On the downside risk side of things I'd try to ensure that nothing substantial has changed with regards to consumer metrics and preferences. 

Is the roof fairly old or is some ther big ticket item going out soon?

The higher ends are full houses or apts with amenitiesProperty is located within blocks of a Cal State University so rental demand may be consistentCOC ROI is fairly low, but I’m comfortable getting a ~5% return on my first deal if it means that this is a learning experience.

Under the rules of Prop. 13, the Office of the County Assessor appraises new construction at fair market value when the improvements are complete, and the value of the new construction is added to the total assessed value of the property."