I have no issue walking away from a bad deal. 

I read somewhere that when closing on a rental property, you should use the Property Manager's address since they are local and any issues coming via mail would get to them quicker. 

If there is a security, health issue, or emergency issue, no problem.

Not the best solution but the new tenants have been wonderful and no issues.

Make sure you get a CPA who is familiar with local tax issues in Philly (BIRT+NPT).

Hard to get clarity on this issue these days!

-Do you encounter any issues with refinancing mortgage with lender to put under LLC?  

Look up the California equivalent of the Board for Contractors on the State website, drill down to the requirements and rules, and see what issues you can include in a complaint.I will say that some AHJ's don't have the resources or time to pursue contractors but you may be able to give the GC a few headaches along the way. 

Time and energy are valuable commodities so if you don't have the desire to do hands-on rehab work or manage properties, vet tenants, handle maintenance issues etc, then self-managing or flipping may not be for you.

And certain landscaping issues are hard to do in winter too.