Anyone have helpful tips on California tenant laws and self managing?

In-person local meetups are the best and they for sure have some near you.

A local credit union or bank like Pima Federal Credit Union will probably give you the best rates.

Talk to the person who sold you the deal initially to see if they have a recommendation for a lender (local bank, credit union, DSCR guy, or Hard Money).   

Your law probably prohibits you from using it for any expenses during their residency.2.

I’m a local investor and licensed agent here in Birmingham and also work in property management, so I’m involved in deal analysis on a daily basis!

Keep up with news on the local economy and meet other investors to gain more know-how. 

Quote from @John Slater: I’m learning some states have laws against door knocking pre-foreclosures/distressed homeowners.

I think maybe setting up an LLC to buy out my brother in law might make sense?  

You can probably find case law supporting both sides for the same topic if you were to go to court.I would consider rooms with a few nail holes in the walls for pictures and such to be normal wear and tear unless your lease specifies otherwise.