I would love to pursue acquiring this house but I know nothing about California law etc.

You could also see if your buddy would be open to joining you in fixing the house up and selling it together ARV and splitting the profit.

Love the idea of pursuing your home inspectors license - that will give you a unique perspective on your REI career.I'm not super familiar with the south TX area, but it sounds like you've given a lot of thought to your strategy and the neighborhoods where you want to execute.

Jess and I moved up from Miami, FL to pursue my dream job of becoming an airline pilot.

If well located and well managed  this building will be easy to keep full and it will be very profitable. 

Also I'm not really looking to make a "profit," just looking to have most of the mortgage paid by renters.   

., you have to understand that at PM company is in business to make money, and they will do what it takes to maximize profit, and that often means cutting corners, upcharging everything, hitting you with hidden fees.

Take the whole deposit for repairs if need be and then I’d be done with t and not pursue further 

What does it do, how does it make money, is it profitable and sustainable?

Hey all my name is Erik Petrovich and I am excited to pursue my second career in real estate investing and sales as an agent after serving 26 years in the military.