Up here in the bay area of California, REI meetings are held once a month. 

@Kai Hicks  When my husband and I purchased a home it was a soft market, so I rented out my Northern California condo to a really nice elderly lady.  

Im not to sure if were in a highly competitive market but if i were to guess I think we are we are located in Stockton CA.

*Self Management - we self manage from afar (homes in SC and VA and live in CA)*Higher End Homes - We find higher end homes allows for appreciation and tenants that allow us to self manage. 

I would look to a destination city, or Central or Southern California, or Orlando, FL--someplace with interest for 365 days a year.  

We live in AZ; have rentals in CA. 

Does anyone have recommendations for property managers in the Santa Maria, CA area?

since you are in california, maybe you can call the people that license realtors and ask them. i would love to hear what they say. 

Therefore, if your has the equivalent of what we call Full IAEA  Power (in California) avoids cumbersome court confirmation.If court confirmation is required, your offer may be subject to overbidding by competing buyers.

Refer to the California Department of Consumer's Affairs guidelines for the security deposit.http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/se...