And neither will Redfin, each will charge what they want as long as a consumer is willing to pay it.

You could only evict for health and safety issues.  

You can only prorate the primary residence exclusion in cases where health or a job transfer have forced you to move.

On another note, you have some fairly restrictive laws regarding private lending, consumer protection (seller financing to an owner occupant) and loan servicing in CA state so make sure you are allowed to do this on your own and understand the licensure requirements to lend, broker loans, and service them as well.

My experience is dealing with all the American and Canadian students at the health care related schools there.

Ok, not completely closed; they allow you to push data in, but then your stuck to see and manipulate in a very limited way.For me this is a deal breaker because if you can't quickly and easily check on the health of your business, you are wasting time and stifling your growth. 

Consumers can already hire agents at discounted rates.

I'd start small and think about the least time-consuming and the lowest-risk strategies considering your busy work schedule/ lack of bandwidth to take on an additional job which is basically what real estate investing needs to be in order to be successful. 

I have a management firm that has filed the necessary paperwork and received a judgment, but it is apparently a time consuming process to then get a writ of restitution and then to schedule the sheriff to evict.

Do you provide consumables (toilet paper, coffee, paper towel, etc.) for your clients or do you set aside money for to replenish?