In California that wouldn't fly.

Were you just not comfortable finding a good property manager and visiting the properties when you were able to (vacation maybe)?

Troy Baughman,The best thing you can do is keep a log of what properties you visit on what days with the Odometer reading; however, many auditors will accept a log that only shows the places traveled to and a MapQuest or Google Maps printout of recurring destinations to give an approximation that it is realistic.The log should have: Date, Miles driven, business purpose of trip.There are many great apps out there as James Vermillion mentioned.

How about talking with other local investors and/or visiting a local REI club?

I have been lurking on BP for a while now and am finally taking a moment to say "Hello" from beautiful San Diego, CA.

Go visit the operations, are they professional and busy...but don't bug them, what's your impression?

The Indian casinos in CA have killed the economy and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

It reminds me alot of my house in Redding, CA.

Reading through that helped me tremendously as I got my feet wet, and I still visit there occasionally because you can literally learn something new every time.

In southern California, as you know, million dollar properties can be a tiny old fixer, or if further from coast, a nice house.