You can even ask some basic questions through those conversations, and now you can ultimately see how the company will treat the tenants and the properties.Usually, a company charges 10% of the rent per month, but just pick up the phone and call around and ask!

I rarely get to price on a house on the first conversation its more about if they want to sell in general.

I'm looking to build my power team.

AND you must maintain adequate reserves to take care of the disasters that may happen.I agree with all the advice you've been given in this thread, and its a very powerful group of people who have advised you here.

@Royce Talbo, et al,Remember to take into account the time value of money.Inflation means costs go up while the purchasing power of each dollar goes down.You also mentioned (medical) insurance.

I'm fluent in Spanish reading, writing, and conversation.

We only do month-to-month leases so basically our conversation with an applicant is "if you don't pay the rent, you get thrown out in 30 days". 

Also how far away is power?

The roads of the world are paved with good intentions and the reality is that money is a powerful motivator.

There is the possibility of finding a distress, condo in south San Jose for about 100k condo apartment conversion, it's just a very competitive market probably won't find on MLS does deals but they exist.