I also require each tenant to carry renter's insurance with a minimum of $300K liability coverage ($500K if they have a dog), naming my property management company and the property's ownership entity as additional insureds.

For example, the desire for larger homes with bigger backyards is causing people to increasingly come to the San Fernando Valley from central L.A and for those already in the Valley to trade up in size.

Vacation rentals can be lucrative but there are few extra things to consider :Larger down payment, higher interest rate,Insurance, and MAINTENANCE.

PNC didn't care and I would stay with larger banks if youre out of state. 

Now we know and have had service dogs at our cabins.  

Cleaning up home which had damage and odor from 9 dogs living on property.

Can these interior cracks be fixed with some drywall compound, a fine-grit sanding sponge, and some sweat equity, OR are these a symptom of larger structural issues?

Do you use signs " Beware of dog "...

At the same time I would not discourage you from looking in CA, but you need to put together a larger war chest.Best of luck to you!

On a 200,000 loan (for example) 3% PI payment is 843.21 (30yr loan) and a 2.50% PI payment is $790.24.Your loan amount must be larger in order to reduce your payment if the rate is only going down 50bps.