You'll also want to ensure you have a good property manager to look after the upkeep of the property if you are not there to notice anything deteriorating or which may need attention.This article goes into a lot of the considerations about whether to form an LLC or not: https://www.mmpph.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/May-2019-newsletter.pdfCreating an LLC in California would cost you a minimum tax of $800 every year.

When you buy with cash it does get a little tricky and I wrote an article on how you need to structure your transaction so your rate will be LOWER.  

I just did a Google search, "bigger pockets how to find properties", and several great articles came up.Once you identify a bunch of options, figure out what's going to work for you. 

Sometimes it's ambiguous, but even then, why should I bother with the company that has numerous unresolved lawsuits, versus another company that is virtually the same but has none.

@Patti Robertson Thank you for your article!

When you find those "hidden" local keywords take the time to write articles on them. 

After you submit your Company name and get your articles of incorporation, Make sure to goto the federal website to setup your EIN number. 

http://amp.mlive.com/v1/articles/20794993/ypsilantis_water_street_could.ampLarry

Thanks for the welcome, @Arden Gist, @Murray Cronia, and for the article link @Brett Snodgrass.  

Your knowledge comes mostly from reading web articles rather than personal experience or researchHere is a record of my portfolio performance since 2013 when I started maintaining Mint records.