For context, we had a plumber come recently and this expense did result in a receipt uploaded to the portal. 

You have an affordable place to live, about half your mortgage payment is paid by the renter, you get to dip your toes in the investor/landlord waters, and you are in a market that should continue to appreciate in value.I recommend reading and educating yourself while saving up for the next investment.

I disagree.The future and what tomorrow will bring is unpredictable.The numbers of a deal TODAY don't lie and are actual.If net cashflow is higher than expenses and if that net cashflow on each deal get's you a step closer to financial freedom, than the investment is worth it.Appreciation is speculation and is just the cherry on top if/when it happens.Just my opinion.Thanks 

Too expensive.

Depending on where you flip, you'll need to determine whether you want to do a volume play (cheaper deals but need to do more to make substantial money) or more expensive markets where one deal can be significant. 

Those paying that $8k on the low end...........well, I got a spreadsheet that you can use to track your sub-to multifamily expenses.

It is a highly competitive market at the moment and the truly well performing STRs seem to be the large, expensive properties that are themed with a lot of amenities. 

After expenses and mortgage, I end up with a net cash flow of anywhere b/w $150-$250 which I find rather small, and I wonder if this could even get eaten up by tax filing time.

I did the math, and I think if I lowered my down payment under 50%, i probably wouldn't be able to cash flow on these expensive California properties.

Even if you move out, you can still cashflow +As for single family or multifamily, you can always start off by house hacking meaning you live in one UNIT or ROOM and renting out the other vacant units/rooms to offset your monthly mortgage payment.There are several ways to run and make sure you are maximizing your rental income while keeping your living expense as low as possible.