. - Lots of demand from Northern California, and not a lot of supply. 2.

Also during contract negotiations, the seller may disclose any previous attempts to gaining cross access with the neighbors. 

Since they are section 8 recipients I have to abide by the HAP contract and not the original lease the seller had them signed.

Just talk with the seller and ask them prior. 

You are looking or a distressed SELLER... not a dostressed property.

Some sellers offer assumable rates for a premium price, although these are more rare.

Most Sellers want today's prices with the buyers that existed 2-3 years ago.

You could offer seller financing on the properties to a buyer.

Quick list, pros- low vacancy rates, high rents, moderate/high home appreciation, high rents increases, demand is always there as people move/commute from NYC; cons- very competitive, pro tenant laws, high property taxes, some towns have rent control, high barrier to entry with expensive multifamily prices. 

@Ahmed Habib wholesaling works or there wouldn't be so many people doing it; I agree with some of the others; you need to approach sellers with a 'problem-solving' mentality; if you focus on helping the seller with their needs, you will have much better success.