hi schelleyI have an excellent realtor who knows how to find the off market deals I have worked with for a few years and I would be happy to share his contact info with you.

Or all of these questions irrelevant, as long as rent is being paid and PM communicates great with me?

Following the advise here, a multifamily house seems to be an excellent way to start.

There are many issues to navigate but it is doable with excellent returns.  

I have taken 2 courses with John Cochran, and while I value his experience and the excellent rehab information taught on his courses, I want to point out that I also felt ripped off after paying for them.

I have an excellent relationship with him, he is a great guy and I would truly hate to see him go.

There are some excellent deals in stockton, manteca, Tracy for entry level, new or very experienced investor willing to drive a little extra and have a bigger wallet, for what you can buy in bay area, you may buy an entire apartment complex or multi-family.  

. ;) As for the business entity, I haven't gotten it set up just yet, but I am acquainted with an excellent US/Canada tax and asset protection lawyer who is an expert in that matter and he can help me with it once I have the property ready to go.

@Larry Fried and Account Closed I just finished the beginners guide and real estate rewind and they were both excellent!

@Corey Petersen Welcome to BP, as @Taylor Shields mentioned, Rarebird is an excellent group.