Don't rent to family members or friends. 

I just recently started a jiu jitsu academy with a couple of friends, and although I was not in the day to day grind of the process in finding a building and building the space out, I did become fascinated with the process.

Smart move. documentation is your best friend :)  Stay safe out there.

I know in Virginia my friend had a similar issue (side-by-side duplex, though, not second floor) and he was not proactive, just warning them several times verbally.

I have always been fascinated with Peoria, though I’m not sure how investor friendly Illinois is.

Brokers are your best friend as we have the entire industry at the palm of our hand and usually save you time & money.

Yeah I have some friends that have properties they hold in New Orleans and have heard the good and the bad.

No reason not to use a top platform.Regarding the friends thing, that is dirty pool IMHO.

Another good strategy is to connect with a local property manager that does real estate sales, or can refer to an investor-friendly agent. 

I will provide some thoughts on the San Diego purchase- virtually all high LTV mls purchases since rates started to hike have negative cash flow at purchase- historically great appreciation- historically great rent growth but recently flattening- prop 13 is great benefit for long holds- laws keep getting less LL friendly.