The idea is to "control" the property, to get the income (positive cash flow). 

Not only can you save 10% of gross rent but you have better control over repair decisions and you can defer non emergency ones based on your financial situation.

I believe 4 fam and over in the area are rent controlled.

I hope they were worthwhile.I know it's too late now but going forward have you considered simply using this here FREE BP website and it's podcasts rather than spending thousands on classes? 

Get frugal with your spending.

My wife and I have been looking at different markets for a while now and have recently decided that our time would be better spent getting to know one market rather than spending more time analyzing several markets to choose from.

What that means is that she is likely about to spend some time in jail, pre-trial (does not sound like she can afford bail,) and perhaps be sentenced to a term.

there was a young man from Davis or Vacaville who was getting going about 6 months ago in that area.. maybe he will surface.. he was trying a little of everything.. ( with I think limited success) but I think he decided he just was going to get licensed and try to earn commissions instead of spending so much money with no result.

Investor spends money on real estate, expecting a positive return

@Caplan Abbey where is maintenance, repairs, less vacancy, ground keeping, service repair (pest control, hvac), water/sewer, management fee, advertising, etc..