Are you aware that if the property had a mortgage of say $50,000 and it sold for $150,000 at foreclosure that the estate (or even the former owner if still living) would receive the difference of the $100,000 from the sale?   

Also, is anyone aware of how long a property has to be a STR to take advantage of the tax benefits before converting it to a long term rental? 

I'm not an expert on FHA loans but I'm not aware of any laws related to that agency being changed.

I am looking forward to suggestions, warnings or anything else that i should be aware of.   

The property manager or owner may be willing to waive some expenses based on your history or just because.Under normal circumstances and unless your lease allows for it, I am not aware of any CA laws that allow your early termination without penalty.

I never see anything that high that isn't in a war zone. 

As far as meetup goes I am aware of the los alamitos meetup meetup because the host of that meetup actually co hosts another meetup with myself and my partner in newport beach!

Be aware, banks refinancing are ALWAYS ~10% low on appraisals here last couple years.

I'm not aware of any short term properties just looking at different websites, but how can you really know?

I guess this means if the tenant trashed your joint and stopped paying rent, then if all you had was a docusign or other e-sig, then the tenant could claim they weren't aware they had to pay rent and not trash the joint, because you wouldn't be able to prove the tenant signed it electronically.