I have been to college, am reasonably intelligent,  chronic reader and studier,  just late getting to the party.ThanksJames Staples V

The owner could be in a hospital, or incarcerated or on a trip, caring for a sick relative in a different state or in the military on assignment or any number of things. 

You are essentially running 7 separate businesses.ConstructionReal Estate SalesProperty ManagementAccountingMarketingLandscapingPublic Relations - (IE what @Chris Clothier is doing on this thread after some unnecessary shade was thrown his way)You'll need to devote everything you have to it.

If you are 20-40 years of age and plan on continuing on working at your current job for the next 5 years, I would suggest you take out a loan from your 401K or retirement that plan to be used as a down payment on your next property.

Since you live in Milpitas, with regards to your Prop 13 tax basis, if you are 55 years of age or older, check with the Santa Clara County Tax Assessor.https://www.sccassessor.org/index.php/forms-and-publications/forms/60-ah-transfer-your-assessed-value-prop-60-90When I sold my long-time San Jose home three years ago, I considered my tax basis transfer options if I remained in California, but decided to retire to a state with a lower cost of living and no state income tax.

A relative could be paying for it, or co-signing, who knows.  

The flip side is that Cordova has remained relatively stable and most of the housing stock is pretty new.

Because, in terms of ease, being able to purchase a property is well I guess the "easiest" way to start; but don't let your age be a roadblock. 

@James Michael Few Just read your story actually- I can so relate!

We are young investors (ages 22 and 23 respectively), so finding funding for any RE investment hasn't been the easiest either.