I am new to the real estate game and this community, and frankly, about 3 months late with this post.

Or are we simply too late in the game?

I am back in Southern California and looking to get caught up, network and establish old working relationships. 

I'm completely new to the game, so while I have been to a few REIA meetings in the past month or so, I don't have any connections currently that are GC or otherwise that I could "tap" to try to help me estimate repairs. 

Thanks That's incorrect, based off my general understanding of landlord tenant laws. usually, local laws stipulate that occupancy for more than several weeks, personal items in residence, and/or receiving mail at the residence establish tenancy.

The long term business behind it is property management after we purchase the rental, put tenants in, and sold it to our investors.We think it makes sense to establish an entity to operate this on but we are not certain how best to structure it. 

It's the non-investors who buy 1 house per 30 years that don't realize the mortgage industry is a sales game.

Again, I'm completely new to this game so any and all advice, commentary, criticism, etc. is greatly appreciated.

It was a great way to get started in the game. 

I'd really like to keep the house in the family and establish a real estate portfolio in the process.