Currently, the contractor is missing in action.

@Josue Velney then those contractors arent very good businessmen . ( unless they are holding first position on a note)   Trusting a person or company to pay after you have  $ 50 K in materials and another $30K in labor plus profit .  

I think I've found what it is: International Paper Masonite Omniwood - the bad part is there was a class action lawsuit against this siding type, I think because of poor quality and not being able to stand up to the 30-year warranty.

Upon initial glance, it seems difficult to achieve positive cashflow in California.

@Ben Clayton  I always try to be positive and give more solutions, rather than accentuate problems - I regret to say I think you're going to struggle a bit on this.  

Minus mortgage (30 years fix around 5%), taxes, insurance, property management company, maintenance, and repairs, you will end up with a few hundred dollars positive cash flow while building an equity. 

My thought behind this is to not only cover the costs but to generate some positive cash flow.

I am looking to relocate to a position in Woodlawn area.

But like everyone says “better late than never” And I take my life as positive in every situation, and keep moving.

Don't make the dog your problem, you can very professionally and respectfully; Tell them that it' their duty to control the dog and let them know that if it happens again, they are putting you in a position where, even though you don't want to, you HAVE to act.