I'll also check with the city on any potential liens, I think any inspection would have to be done after my $15k deposit so it would be a high risk, high potential reward type deal, and there is a 15+ bids already.

Now that you have the correct terminology, you can search for lots of potential solutions. 

@Tove Fox - Residential Real Estate InvestingPros:Lower Entry Costs: Easier to get started with less capital required.High Demand: People always need homes, making demand relatively stable.Easier Financing: Mortgages are generally easier to secure with favorable terms.Simplicity: Easier to understand and manage, especially for beginners.Flexibility: You can use it as a personal residence or rent it out.Cons:Tenant Turnover: More frequent turnover leads to vacancy and more management.Lower Cash Flow: Income potential can be modest compared to commercial properties.Emotional Buyers: Residential prices can be influenced by emotions, leading to price volatility.Maintenance Burden: Landlords often deal with repairs and maintenance, which can be time-consuming.Commercial Real Estate InvestingPros:Higher Income Potential: Stronger cash flow and higher returns are common.Long-Term Leases: Tenants often sign longer leases (3-10 years), reducing vacancy risk.Professional Tenants: Business tenants tend to take better care of the property.Valuation Based on Income: Prices are based on the income the property generates, not market emotions.Shared Costs: Tenants often cover property expenses like taxes, insurance, and maintenance (via triple-net leases).Cons:High Entry Costs: Requires more capital or partnerships to get started.Complex Management: More expertise is needed; you may need a professional property manager.Economic Sensitivity: Commercial properties are more sensitive to economic conditions.Challenging Financing: Securing financing can be harder, with stricter terms and higher interest rates.Zoning and Legalities: More complex regulations compared to residential properties.Key Differences:Risk: Residential tends to be lower risk, while commercial offers higher rewards but with greater risk.Management: Residential is easier for DIY investors, while commercial properties usually require a team.Scalability: Commercial properties are easier to scale, offering more potential for significant cash flow increases.

To qualify for active treatment and unlock potential tax savings, you must meet the material participation rules outlined by the IRS.

So someone who is looking purely to maximize potential return (and has unlimited time) is unlikely to find this a good fit.Here are some good websites for seeing the variety of deals that are available for hands-off investing/passive.1) CrowdStreet.com2) 1031Crowdfunding.com3) Ark7.com4) Finresi.comGood luck!

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

The tax lien is $37k, I figured the terms we very generous but with it being my first deal, I wanted to make sure it was a worthwhile endeavor for a potential partner investor. 

As someone based in San Diego, I’ve also noticed that investors eyeing California real estate tend to focus on potential future development or expansion (especially if you have the patience to navigate local regs).

Do you have a step by step list when looking at the potential house?

It has so much potential.