Now that I've got an income, I want to find a way to make my money (at least what's left after student loans) work for me and start investing in assets.

I'm almost positive that the tenant will have a different financial issue going forward, but it may be in another aspect of their life.  

Operate as if a great deal may be right around the corner and be prepared to walk away.this is not legal advice, i am not a financial advisor, or a CPA

However, the benefit of markets like Oakland is that the financial barrier to entry is substantially lower. 

Sounds like you have a potentially good thing going if you rework the financials.

We can usually financially break even if they leave it in good shape and we hustle to find a new tenant.

Working with a good wholesaler can become a great asset to your business.

I spent a great portion of my life in school and as such lost out on a lot of financial/investment opportunities since I was in school or in low paying jobs in order to gain experience.  

I only buy performing assets that are turn-key because I don't (can't) buy in my local area.  

Auction.com is hired by banks to sell assets to highest bidder through quasi on line auctions.in some states LIke Alabama they are actually the criers at the public court house auction.. if not sold there then those assets are brought into the loss mit departments then listed with auction to be sold on line at some point in the future.I like it as they require actual money to buy this stuff as in you need healthy deposits and REAL POF's and you can't assign contracts etc.. so it mitigates competition with the no money wholesalers that are out there by the millions  LOL..