Many many transactions occur because there is a relationship between the two agents on each side of the deal.

However, another road block In my life occurred.

THAT'S WHENEVER THE REDEMPTION OCCURS = 5% ON OVERBID.  

Consider a new investor who buys in a "landlord friendly" state, but is so inexperienced that he/she doesn't know where to start when problems with tenants occur.

You lose a property when your monthly payments exceed your cash flow and that occurs if you monthly payment is too high and the rents are too low.

As my portfolio grew ( all is out of state) it occurred to me that as a landlord you are nothing more than a glorified manager.

The "fun" part about real estate is that you end up learning about all of the seldom considered expenses that occur. 

Certainly the items you list can be fully deducted as expenses in the current year if they occur after the date the unit is placed in service (unless you've got one helluva garage door opener!)

Do these still occur in CA? 

The back up/resistance occurs at the street.