Already saving up for a 3rd house.  

Start by reading the Ultimate Real Estate Investing Guide: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides/ultimate-real-estate-investing-guide/introduction2.

She routinely gets loans for $20k to $50k for her acquisitions, and then after she has enough, she refin's into a portfolio loan with several properties, and then starts again.

•I manage all my properties myself.As you mentioned, I need to start exploring other developing markets.

Thermal scan is the way to find exactly where the leak starts and then open up to see what's inside, A/C condensate line, plumbing drain, water supply...gutter overflow or even a roof leak running a rafter/truss...it could be any of those. 

I am just getting started managing 7 units.

Additional fees may apply depending on the number of days the property is rented.Personal Property Tax: Starting in 2024, California requires some STR owners to report the value of personal property used in the rental (such as furnishings) for taxation purposes.Potential 15% Statewide STR Tax: A new bill (SB 584) may introduce an additional 15% state tax on STRs starting in 2025, on top of local TOT, aimed at addressing California’s housing affordability crisis​(

I kept repeating the process and slowly but surely started seeing some traction.

May i know how are we going to start?

Not only will you save money, but you’ll also gain valuable knowledge and connections that can benefit you in future projects.