The issue, of course, is that renting close to a college/university is highly seasonal in that students want housing mostly for the beginning of the fall semester. 

I am a relatively new investor, only 7 months into this journey.

No leads is usually an indication of a pricing problem but it could also be a visibility issue.

(I just won’t own a property where there is an existing safety issue I can’t fix).

(I'd like to be close enough to the property should any issues arise but will have a property manager)Thank you and apologize for all the questions but it's been discouraging to say the least so far.

Needless to say, It is a constant battle picking-up leaves, sticks, and twigs.The tenants do not speak English and have created issues in the past with caused by raising chickens, large tropical birds, pot belly pigs, etc,.

They can give you an educated assessment of whether they think there will be appraisal issues. 

I'm having issues getting property under contract.Agent/seller wants a pre-approval of funds first.I can't get a pre-approval for every property or is that the way it works Thanks

There are still deals (in my markets) on the MLS that have PLENTY of meat on the bone if you are willing to deal w deed issues, tenant issues, structural issues, etc.

@Tomas NunoInvesting in real estate with house hacking is smart, but there are issues to think about since you work outside the US most of the year and stay in California for a short time.