If they are bluffing, then you can go and initiate the eviction process and that will bring about its own hearing.This WILL be a frustrating process no matter how you cut it, so juice this orange for all you can squeeze out of it by learning everything possible along the way.

"Can you stand on one leg when you install rafters please?

Do I have any leg to stand on or am I responsible for returning the security deposit?

This will cover transportation costs back to the US for anything major  plus other medical.Non life threatening issues in Second and Third world; setting broken leg $50; MRI scan $200; Hip replacement $15,000; Chinese Acupuncturist $10/hour; US trained doctor $50/hour just because he wanted to talk with someone from the US; Prescription drugs being over the counter from Pharmacist cheap, etc. 

In the event things get worse, you have a legal leg to stand on.

I live in Orange County California.

My area of orange county (irvine, costa mesa, tustin) is still very hot most of my friends looking to buy are being outbid with cash offers going 50k over asking price, but i think itll always be like that out here.

Does anyone know if there are regular meetups in the Orange County area?

Also, if you're looking for more turnkey properties, then you're most likely at your limit of 450K.)Essex in areas such as Newark, Irvington, East Orange are where you'll get the biggest bang for your buck IMO but definitely do some due diligence on all the areas.

Finding an opportunity to invest in will take a team and having a partner who is local and experienced to the area will give you a leg up.