Go check those areas out back in the 90s.

Check into their BBB rating and real reviews.

I am looking at a Duplex, am wondering if I could live out of one side as my primary residence for a year, and Airbnb out the other side during my first year... and then after my first year, regularly rent out my side, or Airbnb both sides... does anyone know the rules to this? 

And/or assume that everything is trashed and you have to rehab the entire house.I have bought houses without going inside, but you can usually get on the property and look in some windows. check the roof, exterior siding, main panel, etc and get a pretty good idea of what the house will need.

I would check it out with your planning dept.

I just checked my BiggerPockets profile to update the number of properties we own (just closed on #27 last Friday) and see that all my information has been blown away, there is nothing there! 

I'd recommend checking out some turnkey property managers to get a sense of the numbers. 

First up, the good old PO Box – it's budget-friendly, keeps your home address private, but you'll need to check it regularly.

Let me know if I can help in anyway get your next home and that next check in your mailbox from it of course 😊

LA area:- you have more control being local and can see the property, check on renovations- I wouldn't buy 2 condos.