In ca be extra careful, I'd hire an eviction attorney, you can find those at a local LL Association.

They don't build enough housing and have upward pressure on housing/rent due to Seattle and CA being more expensive. 

va loans ca be tricky but not 6 month tricky!

I'm not too far from Detroit and I know there are a lot of areas that are starting to grow so let me know if I ca be of any assistance to you.

NOTE – Bold = items established todayNon-bold & Italic = future items not yet establishedABC LLC should be the primary holding company for EVERYTHING ABC LLC (WY Holding)    |__ XYZ LLC(CA subsidiary LLC - where I currently reside w/ 1 LTR)    |__ Subsidiary A LLC (another out-of-state LLC w/ 1 LTR)    |__ Subsidiary B LLC (future out-of-state LLC)Option 1 --- (1) Operate under XYZ LLC as primary business name and entity; (2) XYZ LLC is owned by ABC LLC; (3) All other subsidiary LLCs are owned by XYZ LLC Option 2 --- (1) Establish a DBA in CA and link it to XYZ LLC; (2) Operate under DBA as the primary business name and entity for all rentals; (3) XYZ LLC and all other subsidiary LLCs are owned by ABC LLC Question(s):(a)  In option 2, would I need to register the same DBA in every state I end up acquiring a property in or will doing that in CA be enough?

Regarding CA being tenant friendly, yes that is true. 

I was just speaking as two equal remodels (finishes, colors, appliances,etc) would CA be significantly more expensive than say Utah?

Word of caution, if your starting to look out of state things move a LOT SLOWER than your used to here in CA, be patient and wait for the deals and don't be afraid to be aggressive/walk if the numbers don't work.

CA being worse than TX for landlords, etc.

The recording of the transfer deed usually ca be backed out and then the seller still owns the land.