I have been in sales and marketing for almost 30 years. but I have a few major questions that might answer the question of why so many fail at it.1) Do you need a license in the state of California to close these transactions?

Keep in mind the shorter the term, higher the interest, lower LTV, higher borrower credit, strong pay history, all add up to higher resale.

unless you have great credit and are an  experienced real estate investor, no lender will allow a owner second as substitute for borrower contributed capital.2.

If you have good relations with the neighboring property owners, ask them to let you know if it looks like demolition or removal of the major appliances belonging to the rental.  

Local community banks and credit unions are probably your best bet.

This can include past taxes, bank statements, credit reports etc.Stay away from anyone who says they can finance anyone from 5k-50 mil for 4% as well as anyone who asks for upfront fees.  

To pay off all our bills, and pay off what we owe on cars, credit cards, student loans, debt collectors, etc we would need around $125,000.  

The majority of my inspections are generated by Home Inspectors.

The most important factors are tenant selection and keeping the good tenants so that you have little turnover (major expense). 

@Phil Bach, Hello, The foreign money from China, England, Russia and Brazil that has been buying up all the high end real estate in major cities around the world has been driving those prices sky high as the investors try to protect assets and launder money.