Or is there an easier strategy? 

I would also include provisions covering daily clean-up and protection of materials and contractor's tools, and adhering to all standards of safety as required by OSHA and state and local law. 

Having a license will not necessarily make it easier to find deals but you'll be more likely to connect with someone that can help you learn. 

When they moved in, I agreed to replace the oven, because it needed some serious cleaning and was about 25 years old.

Which makes me wonder why here in Los Angeles there is an extreme housing shortage, rents are going through the roof, the state recently passed an law making Accessory Dwelling Units easier to build in an effort to mitigate the the housing shortage, property values are at a level at or above the housing bubble peak. 

This will be a lot easier. 

The key should have a number on it, this number determines the pin layout in lock. we record the number and keep them available so its easier to make copy if need be instead of going there getting key then leaving again.oh congrats on deal

Before accepting a tenant you should screen them properly such as verifying employment, credit, clean background.

This is where you want a good property lawyer who can verify that you're getting a clean title.

My goal with real estate is to eventually create a lifestyle easier to control (Flexible with Time & Money).