In order to cashflow, it seems you would need to have a strong equity position, but that would still provide pretty low rates of return. 

Unemployment is high for those over 25 which is pretty amazing to me living in Utah were the unemployment rate is very low. 

But, if you really want to avoid risks, West LA, most of the Valley, and the beach cities, are all low crime areas. 

The assessment might be way too low or way too high. 

My question is: if we redeem our personal credit card points for Lowe’s / home dept gift cards to go towards supplies/materials/cabinets etc, can we deduct that as an expense even though we used a gift card vs a credit card or cash?

Properties are low and rents are high (compared to what the houses are worth)- ROIs of 15%+.

BP also has 'The Book on Investing in Real Estate with No (and Low) Money Down' by Brandon Turner.

To start earning decent money it requires 2500 hours of experience in no less than 24 months, which means earning low wages (if any at all) for a minimum of 2 years.

The low end stuff is getting snapped up quick. 

If you don't need the monthly income, devote it to paying those loans down faster.I do also agree with others here that a fixed rate loan right now is the better option, as rates are likely to only increase after so many years of super low rates.