@Dustin HaugSome of the CA-based tax experts on this board are @Jana Cain, @Matt Ward and @Brian SchmelzlenIn reality, these days location is not critical.

All the criticism both good and bad have helped me be a better investor.

Here's an article that mentions the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/users-airbnb-breaking-law-critics-claim/story?

(not intended as a criticism of the OP).

Encourage ReferralsReferrals generate a sizable portion of a real estate investor’s business, so it is critical that investors treat others with respect.

@Alfredo AlfaroMore than 4 units yes under 4 not as critical.

In fact, you should be even more critical of the sec. 8 screening.

@Maxy MillionIs there a phase 1 environment on the propertyThat is critical

That way even if you do decide apartments are the way to go, you haven't depleted much of your capital, which will be critical and probably the biggest hurdle for getting into a commercial asset, and you have at least some background in real estate that you can sell to brokers/lenders when they ask you about it.

It is critical to verify employment and speak with the previous landlord.