Looking at potentially doing student rental out there.

From the real estate you are going to be getting Passive Activity Losses (PALs) which is depreciation to offset passive income, potentially reducing your overall tax liability.

Thanks Can potentially help - do you have further details on the property? 

Legal contracts should be in the name of the legal owner.

Ultimately, legal protection by putting your duplex into an LLC has always been something that has been touted by attorneys, but most investors I have worked with have not gone that route.

Do not rely on it for legal advice.

@Francis Faucher and @Matthew Gentile Thank you both.As I continue to research the syndicate or JV models where I do not have to be involved the day to day operations and decisions seem most aligned.Matthew, appreciate the potential referral for accountants.

Are there any legal issues in California against asking tenant to leave when lease expires. 

You might also meet someone that could be a potential business partner.

This, with the addition of a second commission AND the potential of a passive downline, is what made me get excited about this product to begin with.