You can pick up a humane cage for under $50.

Older houses were build to the code (or lack thereof) from the time it was built and thats ok except with regard to some health and safety things.

My mental health has gotten really bad these last 3-4 months while i've been looking and watching the rates skyrocket =/

Enforcing short-term rental rules is very important in LA, but humans crapping on the street or stealing from Walgreens isn't a big concern.I believe 1/3 of short-term rentals around the country are operated illegally.

It shouldn't take long to get a feel for the health of the city.

There's lots of upward mobility, but I don't want to have to rely on a corporate job to support my family, due to some health issues I'll get into below.I currently own two (single family) rental properties that net me combined ~$950 dollars positive cashflow a month.

Even though it should not technically affect the appraisal, they are human and will probably feel the house is nicer when they see it well staged. 

Your first step should be to talk with the Placer County Environmental Health Dept regarding the availability of a large septic system on your lot.  

I’ve started a no animals policy because the dog & human damage from the last tenants was so costly to repair with high prices for all materials and labor. 

If your tenants' place reeks you could anonymously mail them some air fresheners with a note that reads For your place, you stinky, gross pig-livin' human. :-)