How can a landlord get away with saying you have drug activity simply because you have a few friends who visit?

What I should have done as you rightfully point out is to seek sufficient time to be able to get all necessary bids. 

have you tried Holton-Wise they are a large management company in Cleveland and are active on BP?

Good tenants do go bad and it doesn't always matter to the neighborhood, be a active landlord.Network on BP!

I encourage you to seek other ways to find properties besides just the MLS. 

Not go to against previous comments but if you head the route to getting your license you are probably going to not get the investment knowledge you are seeking.

Especially on your first house.If you're buying commercial assets and/or seeking commercial financing (which is a higher risk, higher cost PITA), then do the LLC.Verify with legal/tax professionals of course @Kevin Dureiko

I'd love to hear feedback and suggestions on what will make a good VR in that area, or are there areas I should look into.Also, I'd love to connect with agents, investors, lenders that are active in Tahoe or perhaps Reno that could help me build a team over there including contractors, cleaners, etc.

CA is not one of them.apartment managers that LIVE ON SITE do not need to be licensed but the rent still has to be collected through a license brokerage.. the on site manager just pass's the checks or rent to the licensed brokerage and there job is showings and day to day maintenance etc.. also referring tenant issues.. what U describe is a licensed activity.

Also, fine dining kitchens are way too volatile for me ;-)I've been reading a lot of forum posts and definitely plan to seek the advice of a real estate tax advisor but maybe with all the experience floating around there, y'all could give me some food for thought in the meantime.