Zillow does carry FSBO, auction homes, estate sales and some other unique situations so it can be good for that if you are purposely trying to avoid working with a realtor. 

Overpaying for Home Depot staff might equals less stress and headaches.From personal experience: I would suggest not placing all your eggs in one basket.Maybe have a small sprinkle of Lowes/Menards contractors.Regardless, try scheduling your contractors at least 1 to 2 hours apart.Example: Plumber 7 am to 11:00 and electricians 1:00 – 3:30 pmI totally dislike Sears organization

It organically grows at a pace above the top 1% earner in America.

in Florida only the articles of organization have to be filed with the state which only have to include a manager or one managing member.  

@Naseer Khan you may be right but it was my interpretation of the CA LLC law below (bolded for the citation I am referring to):Under California law, all LLCs are required to annually file a California tax return and pay at least an $800 California franchise tax if they: Engage in any transaction in California for the purpose of financial gain or profit.Are incorporated or organized in California.Have qualified or registered to do business in California.Are “doing business” in California, whether or not they incorporated, organized, qualified or registered under California law.The Franchise Tax Board (“FTB”) takes the position that an LLC organized in a jurisdiction outside California is nevertheless “doing business” in California if: It is a member of an LLC that does business in California.It is a general partner in a partnership that does business in California.Any of the LLC’s members, managers, or other agents conducts business in California on behalf of the LLC.In addition, an out-of-state LLC is “doing business” in California if: The LLC is commercially domiciled in California (i.e., California is the place where realistic control of the LLC’s functions is centered).Sales, including sales by the LLC’s agents and independent contractors, in California exceed the lesser of $500,000 or 25% of the LLC’s total sales.Real or tangible property of the LLC in California exceeds the lesser of $50,000 or 25% of the LLC’s total real and tangible property.The amount paid in California by the LLC for compensation exceeds the lesser of $50,000 or 25% of the total compensation paid by the LLC

It's a question of developing your specific investment goal, developing the confidence required by educating yourself and surround yourself with others who've done it, and developing your unique strategy to meet that, whether it's in state or out.You should be able to trace ALL your activity back to your specific investment goal.  

If you don't yet have a list of organizations in the area who can help folks with their housing needs, I suggest you put together that list and give it to the mom.

I also like the speciality paint store (where I go Ben Moore, for example) just for  consistent service and expertise (hit or miss at the big box there).Then hard to beat the old school prep with tsp and  a good sponge mop (just damp) and rinse with clean water (damps sponge mop)...and primer for major color changes or spots  and stains..The good paint in luster you can clean also makes turnarounds easy...clean the walls (as mentioned) and you may only have to touch up..Finally, if you can go with one color/brand for the interiors of your rentals you will save time trying to match color or organize endless paints in your garage...best of luck

If you are looking for real estate business advice and someone with years of experience in accounting, we are a unique duo that you may not find anywhere else. 

Unique little cottage on a huge corner lot, lots of little perks, charming historic aesthetic.