Goals:Meet the tenants and begin to build a positive relationship.

I live in Northern California and does not have the means to maintain rental properties(with a full time job). okay in investing out of state, appreciate your pointers related to what type is best, location, how many, ROI etc.

Maybe a finance-related position with a company in the real estate space like a construction company or a bank / mortgage company. 

@Kadeem Swenson, put yourself in a good cash position now.

It's worth hiring an accountant to have it all set up for you, you'll be able to maintain it pretty easily.

We are in a position where we can potentially raise more money to do investment deals, but had a concern about some objections we may face.

Also, when you hear about "sanctions" against countries and people, there is a federally maintained database of verboten persons. 

I made some mistakes on the first one, and now know how to position and deal with city inspectors for the next ones so they go much smoother.  

ideally a 1st position lien.- Tom

We are in very similar positions regarding investing and goals, hope to keep in contact with you going forward and grow along the same lines.