Then another 2 to 4 weeks to "fix up" while it's getting COLD outside means we are in the middle to late part of November at the earliest before the new owner can even hope to START getting tenants in there.

I recently heard a podcast of a gentleman in Alabama who is buying tax liens, fixing up the properties to livable condition and renting out the properties. 

Read my paper.Also read this post I added to this thread:  https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/61/topics/619...I have never said I'm just the manager, I'm always the owner, the guy who gets stuff done and its me who fixes stuff, takes your rent, nags you when your rent is late.   

I need some input about leveraging my free and clear properties in California for rental properties and fix and flips.

There are those things that pop up and break that you'll need to fix.

IF you have any other questions please feel free to ask.Just FYI if you loan someone 80% ARV  of the money for a fix and flip then you make sure the deal says......you get your original money paid back first and at least 50% of the profit made. most will do 80 % from what I have seen. 

If the seller has knowledge there was/is water in the basement, whether it's fixed or not, they need to disclose. 

Have a main stock line - sewage - leaking in my property, need a plumber that can inspect it w snake / video and fix it without breaking walls. 

Under contract for a SFR in East Nashville for fix and flip...

Also, if there are any people doing fix and flips in the market (or BRRR), I'd love to hear how you're finding it and perhaps meet for a coffee or beer when we're in the city