Hello, first post on bigger pockets but have been following for a while.

I'm strictly interested in buy/hold for the time being as I work fulltime. 

Thanks Costin for the pointer to the book (and the flow chart).To answer you Q's: I manage my properties myself.A couple of follow-on Q's: a) Can you elaborate on "you guys in CA are different kind of special"?

I see a lot of people posting about their first year and thought I would follow suit. 

In the future make sure you are prepared to follow the bidder agreement before placing a bid.  

I follow the BRRR strategy.

Much of the following depends on your capabilities and cash position, but I've always given people the advice to buy their first home with a 'safe' outlook with regards to appreciation, and schools.I don't know where you are at in life - if you've already made your first purchase, etc - but so far so good on those that have taken my advice.I think later on in life, if someone so desires and/or has the knack, is when it's appropriate to get into what a lot of folks on these forums do - the more aggressive projects where there's more money to be made.This is a round about answer but yes it's possible. 

I would call, be extremely brief, explain you'll be following up with an email shortly, say goodbye, and then press send.

We've been using the following system/software and it's been extremely helpful. http://www.transported.co/321-timber-glenn-way-ind...This allows us to virtual walk through's of our properties so residents can understand the feel and layout better than pictures could ever tell them.

We took the perspective of “you signed the lease so it’s on you to follow the expectations” but they still feel weirdly unreasonable.