I would not have accomplished the first steps without you all!

In the past people that I have worked with more or less ask for forgiveness, this is a risky step and would only advise with a good local architect and contractor willing because it also makes them look bad.

Long story short: I'm highly interested in pursuing the buy and hold route as a real estate investor, however, trying to buy in my own backyard (Orange County, CA) is a bit of a challenge due to the insane housing costs here.

So then, assuming the lender would also pay for rehab/repair, how exactly would I go about estimating the rehab/repair costs on Property X when I have yet to step inside the house?

I mean jumping in as not only a new homeowner, but a landlord was a huge step.

You could, technically, just keep leapfrogging properties through 1031s until you die and leave your final props to your heirs, who would receive a stepped up basis (not owe taxes on the sale unless they held it long enough for it to appreciate further).

Since paying it off benefits you a little but not much.There you have it - a 1031 is extra steps. 

If nothing has improved then the next step is calling the police. 

Does this seem possible or are the legal ramifications too risky to pursue this?

I can't post his contact info, but feel free to message me if you want more details.Again, I haven't gotten past this step because of my own project priorities, but in talking with Gary, I plan to use him when the timing is right.