Otherwise I would not even look at anything else.

Makes the task for your agent even easier if they didn't disclose that fact.

If you want to name more than three properties (like your situation where you want to sell a larger asset and buy multiple smaller properties) then either     a. the total value of the list cannot be more than 200% of the value of what you soldor     b. you purchase at least 95% of the value of the list.The best thing you can do if you can grab enough runway in the due diligence period of your sale, would be to immediately get under contract for the properties you want even before you close the sale of your old property. 

They were not even in my market.

Be careful asking questions as well meaning contact your actual agent if you have one rather than a claims center because the actual insurance company could record things as a loss even if they aren't paying a claim.

We have yet to find a deal even though we are actively looking.

Way too much gambling/luck aspect to it and even when you win for the year the tax rate is awful compared to long term gains. 

Don’t let the tenant have a little Social security or part time job income…that makes these amounts even more!

I'm also in CA and that's where I invest.There's still plenty of opportunity for BRRRR deals that will cash flow even at today's interest rates.

I've been told my breaking even was costing me money.