According to the data out there it seems like maybe its just a combo of the down season and also a glut in the market (around the holidays there was a 50% vacancy rate). 

Either you the agent or your client need to ensure it's in a census tract with no income limits.

NYC Principal Brokers have to pay a LOT in fees and there are potentially 5 different MLS's.The MLS with the most desirable Listings has a Principal Broker Dues of $1,650 and that doesn't even include the software to access the Data on their MLS!

You still have several options, depending on if you want to invest directly in individual properties or be a bit more removed:Full-service turnkey investment: Should be mostly passive after you do your due diligence and pick a provider, but don't skimp on your homeworkYou choose which props to purchase, but have no control over tenanting choices, some say in large maintenance expensesAvg cost for solid B/B+ prop in Birmingham (and some other markets but this is the one I have data for, since it's my market) is about $100k per door; you'll pay market price for a tenant-ready, fully rehabbed propertyPartnering with someone who does the on-the-ground stuff while you provide capitalCan be passive if your partner really knows their stuff, but more likely you'd be fairly involved with the choices madeMore control since you call the shots with your partnerYou can pick which markets and price points you're interested inPotential for higher returns (ie buying distressed and then forcing equity through renovation) if your partner is experienced and can execute consistentlyInvesting in a syndicateMany investors pool funds to invest in much bigger projects like commercial space or large MFRs, or in larger portfoliosVery passive, investors are not responsible for project vetting or management, but you have no controlMay have higher bar for entry, some syndicates require large investments and you'll need to have liquid cash on handBuying shares in a REITLike an ETF but comprised of real estate investmentsVery passive, but no control over which assets are held in the fundHighly liquid, easy to buy and trade, lower bar for entryEverything is a trade-off between passivity and control, time and money.

Each county has a website that keeps track of real estate data.

They are two different data sets.

You’re investing a lot of money and you need to ensure it’s well taken care of.Depreciation is never limited or eliminated.

You'll also want to ensure you have a good property manager to look after the upkeep of the property if you are not there to notice anything deteriorating or which may need attention, and your dad I'm sure would be a great choice.Creating an LLC in California would cost you a minimum tax of $800 every year.

Based upon the data you should be able to tell which direction the market is trending and how much it should rent for based upon that time of the year.

It seems there are grey areas when it comes to wholesaling in California and as I educate myself to start my business I want to ensure my sources are good.