I don't use the other features they offer (application, maintenance requests, document sharing, listing syndication).

Depending on the location there are definitely numerous investors that buy property in California with the intention of renting it out whether it's for short term or long term.Depending on where you're looking in California the first step is to reach out to specific people in that location to ask their experiences of investing and what type of investments are the best. 

Reach out to @Zack Karp, I've used him and his team numerous times, he is my go to conventional mortgage guy.

We will be talking wholesaling - and the main components of wholesaling are - finding the deal, analyzing the deal and negotiating the deal, what you do with it after that wholesale it, rehab it or rent it is up to you.There are also numerous events small and large, you could hit a couple every week.Those events hosted by a local Landlord Association or member of MAREI in the pic below

I like the search features: https://www.biggerpockets.com/searchAlerts can be really helpful too: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsThere are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides

But to me, the up side and my favorite feature is that the tenant can report payments to help build their credit history.

I read through this thread and chuckled numerous times. 

In addition, borrower are protected from deficiency under Section 580(d) when a lender utilizes the relatively "quick" remedy of non-judicial foreclosure and finishes it, regardless of whether it is owner occupied or not.I still can't figure out how to get the mention feature to work.

Can you add any capital features to increase the rent maybe?

Is this, 'featured investment property', listed in the Marketplace  or what?