CA does possess its own added challenges a landlord may face that other states offer better protection against. 

If I still lived in SoCal, I would still buy out of state.

Joanne There are insurance companies that will insure more than 10 properties on a personal umbrella but it can be tricky based on the companies providing the underlying insurance, the makeup of the portfolio, the state you're in, etc. 

I'd also set up regular inspections of the home and if the lease states that the camera must remain active and in place, then use that as her breaking the lease to get her out. 

Obviously, some other states may be more landlord friendly or may have certain things that make things easier, but Chicago has been an incredible market for me and many of my clients.

Over the next 5 years we'll tap into USDA and state wildlife programs to completely rehab the grasses, shrubs, deciduous and conifer trees with no less than 4 dozen different plant species seeded or planted.

So, maybe in some areas/States some agents have to get their policies, or maybe the Brokerage will pick up the tab..

I generally max 401k, max backdoor roth ira conversion, max hsa, taxable brokerage, kids 529 through the state, then invest in RE with the leftovers.

That's near impossible in most of NY State metro areas.

Over the next 5 years we'll tap into USDA and state wildlife programs to completely rehab the grasses, shrubs, deciduous and conifer trees with no less than 4 dozen different plant species seeded or planted.