If I understood you correctly you are just describing the property that is currently on the lot - this does not mean that the lot was zoned strictly for multi-use.

- Get some local REI guys lease crafted per local laws, not the off the internet lease.- Use postlets.com to push to every rental site except craigslist, and craigslist, lots of pictures are a must these days.

Other than reading articles online, base from experience of real people, laws, and how terms are applied in real life situations, i find investopedia.com to be a good guide as well for explanation and definitions of terms in RE that you might find difficult to understand.

Well, an oil tank would be an environmental issue, not a title issue (for the most part) - and the severity of the problem (and how much you actually need to worry about it) has a lot to do with how the property is zoned (commercial or residential) and what your state's environmental laws are (this all leads to an entirely different conversation from the one we're having about the title).

Although licensing is not required there are laws rules and regulations to follow just the same and a court of law will hold you equally liable.

My strategy is strictly buy and hold in appreciating markets so I can be a bit liberal with my COC %.

I'll add, If the mortgage was paid but never released there are laws regarding that and how you protect/assert your rights.

You should be able to find your states landlord-tenant laws online.

It is against federal law to put anything in or on the mailbox.

Don't know CA law.