He put a board over it to hold plants or something.The builder apparently continued to build more homes with this kind of tub after the problem had been pointed out.

Hi, I make $50k per year and have $25 thousand in savings, unfortunately I file a 1099 and not a W-2 so my question here is, what sort of hurdles would I face while trying to get started in real estate while continuing my job as an independent contractor here in Los Angeles, Ca.? 

don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis.... take action, learn, and continue on.

Rented continuously.

I will continue to rent where I am now and this would end up being purely an investment property. 

If he failed to give notice, you can continue charging rent until the 30 days are up or you place a new tenant, whichever is sooner.

If you're still looking try to stick to one type of assets - residential multi (2-4 units) will play a lot better in your favor than SFH.

I will continue to update this thread or post a new one with this content to document this deal and the progress; thanks all again for your feedback.

The return needs to make sense but depending on the area you might settle for a smaller ROI but more of a potential appreciation play.

Finally since he paid/trying to pay can I continue with the eviction process?