you start making more in one commish check than i could earn with hourly wage in 3 months and well was not hard to understand 

That is only because of employee wages being higher (because of housing) and CA taxes.The other thing to remember is even though your housing costs may be over double, that is a tangible asset you are buying.

Still planning on managing myself but could just consider this as wages?

In part, you already know some of the lessons - the neighbors have your contact info (and you might get theirs) and now you have experience in wage garnishment.  

Where are people making good wages (and are able to afford higher rents) compared to the average house price?

U need equity in case your forced to sell so you dont have to write a check to sell.. real estate is about making equity and spendable cash not just acquiring over leveraged properties unless your such a high earner that you doing it simply for the deprecation benefits.

In addition to the above suggestions.Refinance the primary residence into Spouse A's name alone, wherein Spouse A is the higher earner.

If you got the days wrong, or as in the case of a neighbor, pulled it out noon time because he's going on vacation for 2 weeks, too bad, you get a ticket.Back then, you have to go to court to fight tickets, and from what I hear, it'll take you most of a day, so if you have a high paying job, are you going to give up a day's wages for a stupid ticket?

Quote from @Sam Faas: Thank you all for the replies.As I understand it, you still need the SSN and DoB to collect or garnish wages in the event this becomes necessary, how do you do this? 

Excellent hourly wages, and jobs are out there for sure.