I'm a relatively new REI that started my buy/hold adventure about 1.5 years ago.  

She's hasn't committed yet, but that would be wonderful for my investing adventures. 

Any advice will help this adventurous gal.

I have It on a float but will probably lock It tomorrow as the lender said he was expecting about 60 days to close which would be the length of my rate lock.. trying to gamble the timing to not have to come outve pocket for an extension.

Maybe see if they have a two- or three-month trial period and take the gamble. 

I would suggest that once you have some markets narrowed down, your first interview should be with property managers as they will have many of the other REI resources you require but again, I'd strongly urge you to interview and verify their capabilities from other local references.Good luck in your REI adventures. 

Win/win for a small gamble.

California is not the market for cash flow, it is the market for appreciation which is speculation (gambling).

Investments are nothing more then legal gambling how much are you willing to risk before you get out of that investment how much are you trying to gain.

My wife is on board with me in this adventure and we are looking forward to replacing here current income.