I'd be curious to know who your property manager is

Plus, I attribute much personal happiness to being near the water since I'm an avid surfer, and thus cheaper inland LA still doesn't make sense ;)

I am a property manager, and it changes the dynamic of the entire process when a manager is in place.  

Now, when the property manager is hounding a tenant for late rent - is he/she operating as a property manager (not according to the lease, the judge might say), or an unlicensed/unauthorized/unregulated collection agency?

Also, just my opinion, but since you work full time, I strongly recommend using a property manager. I

You also won't have anyone looking out for you during construction (Architect) unless you hire a construction manager. I

Through them I became a certified property manager.  I

I like that the area is developing and all the other positive attributes listed here.

@Rebecca Tingley - with your 20 years of successful experience as a property manager, I would say you have plenty of experience! 

Wanted to add that if you hire a manager, make certain it is a group w/ more than 1 property manager. I