Therefore, a critical location selection metric is that rents and prices are rising faster than inflation.

Working with a good lender that is familiar with investment properties is critical as is connecting with a real estate professional that is able to analyze property, present real numbers and project possible income. 

The first 90 days are critical to establishing your authority over these tenants.

I have also worked in the financial services industry so this would be critical for me to get my credit back so I can work in that field again.

We would encourage it...Marketing means... getting the word out and with the proliferation of the internet, a web presence is critical.

But now things have gone critical and I need a new company to look after my property.

@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).