A mixed way is often best, with plans for money coming in and extra backup for any surprises.

Is your plan to rent by the room?

If they don't provide you with a contract with the terms then she might be looking to use TREC promulgated contract but be careful if you haven't use one.Are you trying to avoid a commission that you are not involving a realtor?

Many beginners jump in without a plan leading to mismatched goals and markets.

I am an engineer with a full time job, but plan on continuing to purchase rent ready properties to slowly build wealth.

While my home is new, I'd like to maintain it well, and I plan to do this with all of my properties because I like taking care of my possessions. 

I am planning on being married in the next year and a half and my partner and I are currently saving up money so that we can start investing in real estate, we are targeting fall of next year to start and should be able to have $80,000-$85,000 to invest.

Assuming you are managing the property well and taking care of maintenance issues, there really is no benefit to either you or your resident from the inspection.  

Are you planning to buy in LA, or in some other market?

@Krista Goodrich I’ll be in town that day so I’ll plan to come to the meet-up on the 8th 👍👍