Personally If these rules keep investors out or financial trouble, I think they are very worthwhile.

What are the risks if the person isn’t qualified?

However, I discovered that Anaheim isn't allowing new short-term rentals and that the strict regulations in California make arbitrage nearly impossible.I then came across the assignment of contracts strategy and thought it could be a good way to generate income.

I am sending mailers, but would rather not list my personal residence or use a PO box.

Personally I think it depends on the type of investing opportunities you're looking for and where or why we are seeing an increase in market activity.

But, simply the end of the contract term doesn't mean the tenant will be moving.

The architect will have a structural engineer they usually use, you can go ahead and use that person or someone else.After that is done, have your architect draft a bid form/template. 

Should have it under contract in the next month with a closing Jan 1st.

I have not done this personally but I do have several clients who are in year 1 or 2 of utilizing this strategy. 

I’m a broker/owner of both a general brokerage firm and property management firm.My advice is to find an agent that is thoroughly invested in you, as a client and as a person, and understands your goals.