You're signing up for an absolute meat grinder of a job with the hope that you can someday stabilize it and build something that could be put on cruise control or sold.As for tactical advice, tap into your network and alumni network.

I do have a contractor that has an amazing team that can do everything from the ground up to plumbing and HVAC.

I had expected lease up to be slightly faster. 

I did my due diligence in building a team first to make sure I got most of my bases covered.

Looking forward to hearing about what you all were up to!

The contract shouldn't affect your basis, that will be based on what you pay for the property (unless there's some money changing hands outside of closing, which probably wouldn't be documented in the first place).

I would like to know if there are any big real estate clubs in the east bay that I can network and hold monthly meet ups?

That brings up a host of questions:What if I don't like how they are managing the property? 

I’ve been exploring similar opportunities on the East Coast, where solar development is also picking up.

Those guys aren't cleaning that crap up.