Carlos, You are absolutely correct, there's  no need for a permitKeep in mind though, if it involves endangering yourself and public safety as to plumbing, electrical, load bearing columns and wall structures, etc.

It's a huge safety hazard and the perfect set up for a child to climb up there and fall over. 

"give you their MLS access info"If you are a broker or agent do not do this.It opens you up to liability and being booted from your current brokerage along with a possible sanction from your real estate commission.Many MLS's have private contact info for sellers,showing times,and property access codes along with other sensitive data.This is not something the public should have access to for safety reasons.If their is a public MLS info system that is different.

There is a flight to safety which housing = safety, especially in San Diego where supply has not and will not meet the demand, for years and years to come. 

And make sure they install arc fault breakers in the sub panel, they’re the ones that have a white button on them and add another layer of safety.  

If something catastrophic happens, there is no safety net.My endgame is a handful of units that are completely paid off and each produce a couple thousand in free cash flow each month.

Don’t compromise your safety for a investment.   

For example; which areas to look in for certain classes of homes, areas to avoid (due to safety or high crime), popular bars, shops, restaurants or universities, local market trends, returns expected in different areas etc.

There are many activities that qualify for that time spent: collecting rent, bookkeeping, advertising, maintaining legal compliance, safety reviews, inspections, decorating, tenant approval, contractor supervision, obtaining insurance, paying taxes, and actual hands-on maintenance such as painting, mowing, weed pulling, changing air filters, all count. 

Keeping as much cash on hand for a safety net, or having the funds available to do multiple projects, or start working on your rental portfolio.