I’ve also used Home Warranty services (could write a book actually) as a hedge for C class properties I managed in the past so I empathize with the intent. 

Upon acquiring the property, I notified the tenants that they had 150 days to transition to paying $900 per month.

New to real estate and looking to purchase my first investment property.

It’s true that you can have a 10 percent down and have it classify as investment property for tax purposes as long as you can meet the irs definition of investment property while also meeting your lenders occupancy requirement. 

About me: owner of a primary residence, looking to get a multifamily (preferred but open to single family) property soon.

This all hinges on what you call a "rental property" is actually NOT a rental property in the tax code! 

While I’m based in California, I’m looking to begin house hacking a duplex, triplex, or quadplex in Houston, Texas, and build from there.I’m looking forward to continuing to learn, becoming a property owner, and taking full control of my time and life to eventually quit my 9-to-5.

PadSplit is a way to drastically change the cash flow of a property, even if you do not modify the home with additional bedrooms.

Signed a contract for a property and need to inspect it. thanks!

It sounds like you are taking all the risk and they are doing what a normal property management company would do.