I think you should protect your asset as much as you can, cause you will be left holding the tab sooner or later. 

Regardless of renting or selling, I'm looking at spending around $2,000 for smaller repairs which include paint, replacing carpet in the basement, and replacing a bathroom vanity. 

It is not a bad neighborhood but there is something that feels like you should have a fence to protect there. 

I would look at craigslist, facebook marketplace and your local REIA for possible leads, but make sure you spend the time to determine it will work for yourself and do not rely on what the other person gives you for rehab costs and comps.  

Hi,is it common to set up LLC for income property in CA to protect from lawsuit despite $800/yr tax?

How are you going about protecting yourself when purchasing rental properties.

My question is, how could you, as a landlord yourself, not have done anything to protect yourself against this??

The one I went to last week was a meeting of about 60 people and it was almost awkward at first because no one was that acquainted and they all made small talk about their different investments before an experienced investor gave us a small presentation on how to best run your LLC to protect yourself and your assets (didn't plug or ask for anything more afterward and even gave us a checklist for things to make sure you've accomplished for your LLC).

Repairs and expenses are deductible, but you only get back the taxes you would have paid, so you are spending a dollar to get back a quarter.

You need someone that knows the current laws and what disclosures you need to protect yourself.