Yes, for a few reasons.1) local to you - you would most likely have an edge to start right where you are, since you may have better access to data and physically can go to the properties and/or meet investors in person, if need be, etc. 2) since the #'s are typically larger here (SoCal) you have the potential to make larger $'s !

If it is around the same price as the mesh I would fill it in and create more yard space instead of a potential safety hazard for kids. 

By scalable I mean there is a lot more potential as to how many properties you can buy with less amounts of money.

You could potentially sell the property furnished to someone looking for a vacation home or STR like yourself, that may help recoup some of your costs.

I find potential tenants wanting to move in the same day of write you a check on site is a big red flag.  

You are trying to compare oranges with potatoes.You will be converting an IRA that is invested in the stock market you have no control over into potentially some real estate investments.

There is a lot of potential for us to overlap.

.* **Potential for appreciation.** New construction homes are often located in desirable areas that are likely to appreciate in value over time.

There were 6 offers total on this house so we had to be aggressive to win it, but because there was so much potential I was fine paying $30k over asking price.How did you finance this deal?

Secondly, you might be unaware of the potential tax savings you're missing out on, which often exceed the fees paid to a CPA.