He sent the wire instructions later in a separate e mail (I told him to hurry, I had to get to the bank before I picked my kids up from school), the company name associated with the account was pretty non specific- for example "XYZ Sales"- could MAYBE, possibly, by some stretch be a title company, or something else associated with real estate. 

Like lower income areas, there are sometimes more wear and tear/makeready costs with section 8 properties due to more kids in the home etc.

You said you are a college kid so maybe you offer to run any errands the investor might have, or answer phone calls for them.

Once I’m gone, my properties will go to my kids, so the basis will be reset.

I love this strategy but we have too many kids at home to pull this off!    

Rinse and repeat...I would totally do this but we have too many kids :-)  

Also the wife and kids will still remain in the home and the security deposit is usually a retainer in case of any damages and if they leave the house cleaned up.

The couple is about to file for divorce (wife living in the house - hubby moved out a couple of months ago), two kids out of high school, and college money is tied up in the house. 

If you’ve no kids and lots of free time*, I’d look for a rehab.

Totally understand that Lamorinda isn't a high-growth area in terms of a good investment, this is more about quality of life and where want to raise our kids.