I have a very deep desire to have control over my life and how i spend my time, and I feel that having a job is a direct violation of that creed, and that book hit me like a rampaging moose.  

He asks to look at my contract, which I give him along with my assignment paperwork, disclosures, and an amendment I used to adjust the original price on the purchase contract.After a day he gets back to me stating that his "attorney has advised that he make the offer to the seller and leave the name blank on the contract with his desired terms".

like @Bob Bowling said, location is crucial, if you can get near an area that's very desirable (beach, downtown, area with lots of jobs, etc) you can expect to have multiple renters to choose from and expect appreciation of the property.

So there are tons of great niches and unique backgrounds on this website.Definitly check out the blogs, podcast and forums.

By far the best deal I've found in California lately (condo is in a good neighborhood near 15 fwy /60 fwy interchange).I know I have the dreaded "sample size of 1" to work with but am I crazy to think that I should focus on going after short sales and look for unique opportunities in CA to give offers under asking? 

Most here can't define real property and why it is valuable or explain why RE is unique and different fro other investments, The basis for valuations, nor have I seen much on the three valuation techniques of property and why one is given more weight than another.

I'm very very new to the real estate market and looking for any useful and unique tips on evaluating my first investment purchase and getting off to the right start.

While it is going to have some desirability all year long I would guess that summers and winters (assuming you are close enough to the ski areas) will be the best.  

I'm interested in learning more about these unique appliances since that might be the only option I have.  

These strategies all involve their own unique twists.