Meaning you'll probably leave ~$8k in the deal, which is fine.

This will leave you additional funds for your rehab.Feel free to reach out with any questions.Regards,Eric

No answer, disconnected, was able to leave a single voicemail.Anything else I can do short of door knocking his address 1000 miles away?

Honestly, I'm kind of angsty about it all, because I really don't WANT to leave the area since I've lived here most of my life...

I think purchasing a primary conservatively with a lower down payment (to leave enough for the required larger down payment on an investment) would be my suggestion, if you purchase your primary home first. 

There must be a reason he's leaving $70k on the table.

This preserves the relationship you have and leaves little room for misunderstanding.Congrats on the deal!

But I want to have my first unit ready to be rented in August, and worry that inherited tenants might over stay their notice.So my question is, should I prepare for them not to leave when I plan and start the eviction process?

If he's a savvy investor, he has depreciated these properties over the years and many may not have much invested basis left at all leaving it all as capital gains at sale. 

As housing in California continues to skyrocket in expense, it increasingly makes sense to leave.