I have a couple of young professional friends who live there, and the streets they're on are fine.

@Scott Carrillo It sounds like you just need to find an investor friendly realtor that can handle the same aspects for way less. 

I've been wholesaling in the area since May and I'll let you know I'm one of the friendly ones.

4) What is the best, user/budget-friendly website, that can help me set-up the correct business entity to do this type of business?

Each year some students move out and their friends move in.

Renting to students is a good model, and unlikely to run foul of the Portuguese tenant-friendly laws for renewals. 

I am helping a friend who has problems with their porch gutters (10 ft tall).

Being as I am just starting out and this is my first investment property this is hitting me hard and I am wondering if any BP friends have advice or useful information for someone in need.

Besides the price to rent ratios the laws are typically tenants friendly in CA which makes it even more difficult...I've been investing in TX for many years and I think it is still very good market to invest (Dallas, San Antonio).If you want to learn more about out of state investing feel free to check out this meet up group -meetup.com/Los-Gatos-Real-Estate-Networking-Meetup/

I'll be up there for a week visiting family and friends.