Plus, I want to open up a perpetual pool of investment capital for future projects without paying exorbitant rates.

does anyone know a contractor that could build me a guest house in my backyard in San Jose?  

I am curious to know if any experienced investors or contractors could give me a ballpark number on how much it would cost me to build a 500sqft guest house in my back yard in San Jose.

By seeking out non-local CPAs, you expose yourself to a broader pool and therefore a higher possibility of finding someone specialized in real estate investing.

And if it can be done with nonaccredited investors, and expands the pool even more dramatically.If it takes off the influx of capital will be huge.  

If you are on a busy street gate latches that close like the pool gate latches are a good and inexpensive addition.   

Are there any other options you might have in mind for me to dip my feet into the REI pool?

Off the top of my head...Mortgage PITI, Home Owner's Association if applicable, liability insurance, lawn or garden service, pool service, water if owner pays, property manager.  

The difference will be the common benefits - whether or not there's a pool, tennis courts, "free" cable, etc.

Also, give the impression someone is there: leave old shoes clothes out in one of the rooms where someone peeking in might think someone's staying there, leave a stereo going, rent a ghetto dog (pit) to put in back yard, put a visible sign on the inside of the back window that reads "ain't nothing worth dying for in here" don't bother telling neighbors to watch it, they may be the ones ripping you off.