We have started to make changes in our life in pursuit of financial independence, cleaning up our finances, educating ourselves, running the numbers, and now just have to pull the trigger on our first deal!

Just my personal opinion...I would stick to regular comps and not tax assessments.

- an elderly couple was running the 2 businesses themselves. it became overwhelming for them and they couldn't keep staff regularly, people kept calling in sick and they started taking on the bulk of the work. they've owned the businesses for 20 years and are now ready to retire.2) Any deferred maintenance?

He moved into an furnished place.City had the Spring clean up. 

You also need to make sure the dryer lint exhaust gets cleaned out properly.

When redoing this house the two themes I would like to stick with for this home are durability and ease of cleaning.  

Are the walls and carpet clean?

I went last week I just arrive to LA last night I went to see a lot of houses and I saw some good deals but they go fast an as a beginner I need some help like yours, I'm with an agent but I think she dont work with investor , I feel she works more with regular clients and is not really aggressive on the deals, I left an offer and if it doesn't work I'll reach you Tks

Second, I already have one rental property 3 streets over from this one which has never had a vacancy and only minimal repairs (less than $400 annually for system check-ups and cleanings).

Don't pay retail or clean up a sellers mess for free👍