Either way, I would definitely recommend checking with your state's legal guidelines as well as getting legal council just to be sure you stay within both your's and the tenant's rights. 

I am more on the cash flow team, but would also trying to get something for our future generation as well if possible.

:Might as well go for it most tenants in c class areas are nuts anyway so the extra rent money is icing on the cake  LOL!

I thought this was the case as well. 

You might be able to get some random Edison technician to say, "Well, I guess it would be okay," after eyeballing it, but that's no guarantee that after you buy the property, Edison or Long Beach or someone comes along and says you can't. 

I am in the area as well, would love to connect!

If there's other appliance protection that's better/cheaper, I'm interested in hearing the options as well.

Be careful with the tenant, as well, as stated herein. 

Currently, the rental income would not cover the mortgage payments, but I'm considering refinancing if interest rates decrease (possibly conventional to free up VA entitlement) as well as adding a fifth bedroom to increase rental income.My Plans: I intend to retain the NC property due to a stable tenant with a recently renewed year-long lease.

Being newer we are open to any advice for the area as well!