But the answer for everyone may differ.Here are the personal attributes I see in those able to achieve a higher than market ROI, enough higher to be able to “scale”.1- Knowledge of real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance2- Minimum 3 -5 years full time, or near full time experience directly related to real estate investing3- Ability to utilize technology for increased efficiency, capacity, and accuracy4- Excellent hired legal counsel and excellent hired marketing help5- Established method(s) of obtaining consistently high QUALITY deal flow6- Ability to manage and choose people who are NOT employees: Attorneys, Appraisers, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Brokers, Title Companies, Surveyors, Marketing Specialists, Accountants, Contractors, Consultants, Property Managers7- A VERIFIABLE track record of success8- Ability to identify, analyze, and negotiate a deal that can be “worked” for “enhanced” ROI9- Some type of competitive advantage; for example for me it’s my ability to analyze and identify mortgage loans that are actually less risky than all other lenders believe (on the investing in debt side), and on the real property side it’s my ability to analyze”pull the trigger” with LESS information than other investors need,  combined with the ability to pay cash, or raise significant capital almost instantly as well as being able to obtain loans at the lowest prime customer bank rate with no recourse or personal liability.  

One tip is that is a very tough state for flipping/investing too because of tough laws against lenders if needing to foreclose, just something to watch out for

The law here says eviction is a public interest issue (of course it is!!!) 

.: Quote from @Charles Perkins: Washington law gives tenants the option of paying the security deposit over several months depending on the lease term length. 

You will want to know your state laws regarding deficiency judgments, and whether your deficiency will survive the DIL. 

Check your local/state law.

The coverage limits are as follows:$200k -> Dwelling Premises Liability -> $300,000 per occurrence Medical Payments $500 per person / $25,000 per occurrence Additional Living Costs And Fair Rental Value -> $19,000 Loss Assessment Coverage -> $1,000 Ordinance or Law -> $20,000 or 10% Water Damage Limitation -> 10% ($20,000) Deductibles All Other Perils -> $2,500 Limited Theft Coverage -> $2,500 Water Damage Deductible -> $5,000

Hi Anthony-You asked about the best ways to find off-market deals for your in-laws to buy and move into and you are focussed on the Santa Barbara, CA area which I have been to and it is gorgeous.It kind of reminds me of an Ann Arbor on the ocean. :)Anyway, I like your strategy of driving and looking for houses in need of repair and sending handwritten letters and contacting rentals for the reasons you gave.

Next PA has very strict requirements for interest rates which you cannot be in double digits.

My family is in SoCal and my in-laws are in KC.