There are several self-publishing services, such as Amazon's "CreateSpace" that let you do print on demand.

I have a hard time believing that a 1BR studio apartment in my town that rents for what a 4 BR 2-story house rents for in other parts of the country has the exact same expenses.

You can get it on Amazon now for under $50.

If so, you're off rent control, but any inlaw, even an illegal crappy studio behind the garage makes it a 2 unit prop, and subject to RC. 2- even if a true SFH, while you can raise rent to market, you are still subject to eviction controls and the original lease terms still apply (except rent amount.)3- other than true SFH, only post June 13 (I think)1979 construction is off RC. 

However, they also typically want to fund something like "the next Amazon |  driverless car |  Space-X" and not particularly interested in mom-n-pop's first MFU - - they want deals 1 mill+hoping you do well at your level of participation . . .

Amazon, Google, Microsoft all adding jobs and property values going up 10% year over year.  

I tried using front bungalow as a flooring studio that did not pan out but always knew the potential to flip is there. 

Was looking at rents on their website when they opened...Studios (450 sq ft) start at $900/mo, 1bd (700 sq ft) start at $1,100/mo & 2bd (1100+ sq ft) range from $1,300 - $2,000/mo.

I love that.Go to amazon and get the book, Landlording on Auto-Pilot.That book has pretty much everything you need.I will leave you with these two bits of advice1) Dont tell tenants you are the owner.  

If you are going overseas maybe buy used and resell via amazon marketplace from abroad.