He started by doing houses under 50k the properties we are dealing with in California are literally 10x the asking price.

We have been looking for properties for a while now with our realtor, but just recently found one through a family friend who is selling it FSBO, and we are looking to purchase it to make it into a vacation rental.

I'm just wondering if the process functions any different on our end with our realtor since we are communicating/negotiating directly with the sellers on price?

I think some of your issues may fall under normal wear and tear. 

Our strategy has been to use our rental cash flow to accelerate the mortgage on the rental property, but we are now looking to use that cash flow to help us create additional passive income.We are looking at growing our portfolio of properties (should have done this sooner, but no better time than the present) through more Buy and Holds whether through turnkey or BRRRR. 

We are all out here trying to make money.

For $50k per house we are taking ownership using Subject To & Wraps and cash flowing houses in Maricopa County and central Texas.

After the owner has invested near $20,000 to date, he has indicated we are on our own. 

But I've come to realize the American Dream wears off after a few years and the hard realities of property management set in.

We are both currently in healthcare.