There are rentals one mile off of Huntington Beach that have increased rents at 9% a year for the last three years, but they don't cashflow at current prices (example 2 BR, 1500sqft sold for $670K and rents for $3100, 3yrs ago this unit sold for $470,000 and rented for $2300 still neg cash flow but thats the environment) But what you sacrifice in immediate cashflow, you hope to get back in healthy rent increases and appreciation which there is strong historic evidence for.

Once this bacteria is established it creates an environment for more destructive pests to move in.

I think that it could be a great opportunity to work there first for a couple of years to (1) learn about the whole process/environment from a bird's eye view and (2) obtain contacts and connections that would be beneficial if I were to transfer to the business side. 

Just my take, in Florida most of all worthwhile properties whose taxes are delinquent  are paid  by an investor each year they become past due when the respective  county puts them out for bid.

Especially in these hard times for our country we must show all the love and respect we can for our troops and veterans.

You're correct to get as much info as possible before jumping in, as Oakland is becoming more and more difficult an environment for landlords.  

Often times the smaller scale landlord/investor does not take into consideration certain liability exposures that could completely undermine their respective investments. 

It should never be about the money along, but have multiple bottom lines - in REI providing a nice home at affordable rates for people, whether families or not, treating tenants with respect, and improving the neighborhood and community through the investment, should all be bottom lines.

It'd be better to go with an accountant thousands of miles away who specializes in what you want to do rather than with one who's local and doesn't specialize in what you want to do.Also, with respect to house hacking, I see on your profile that you're currently interested in a duplex, but if you ever become open to a triplex or fourplex for the better cash flow, keep in mind the FHA self-sufficiency rule.  

I respect the job they do, have lots of friends that served, my dad served etc, however 3 headaches and expenses from each family was enough to eliminate focusing my advertising on that demographic.One was a younger couple - after lease was signed, wanted another roommate to move in, everything checked out so said ok - then the roommates girlfriend moved in secretly, then after the lease specified no dogs, two dogs were bought/brought into the property secretly and would be hidden every time I was around.