I rented out the additional bedrooms to friends and family, charging them well below market, and sold when it was time for my wife and I to start our own adventures.

South Jersey more landlord friendly than North Jersey, but you have more appreciation in North Jersey. 

Asking for a friend.

Also remember California is very tenant friendly, so if you did rent it and want to sell it, how much would that cost you (ie how much would you have to pay the tenant)?

A single-family home or small multi-unit property can be a great way to dip your toes in the water.Build a Team: Even if you’re planning to handle most things yourself, having a good real estate agent, property manager (if needed), and a reliable handyman can make life so much easier.Learn the Local Laws: Pensacola is pretty investor-friendly, but it’s always good to know local zoning laws and short-term rental regulations if you’re thinking about Airbnb or VRBO.Run the Numbers: Make sure you’re clear on the property’s cash flow potential.

I appreciate the feedback, always trying to help out my California investor friends. 

However, all of the investors really like the property and the care takers and they like to visit and bring family and friends to the property.  

Your job will be to find an investor-friendly brokerage willing to teach.

When the housing market became seller friendly, I unloaded 5/6 of our long term rental units, paid off our house with that and invested in stocks and mutual funds…completely no fun, right??

Every Week I scan the MLS, navigating cities and towns in South Florida that are friendly (and not friendly) toward short term rentals.