I jump in either when things are really complicated or when the phone rings and the caller says “so we’ve been self managing and now have THIS happening”.

It is the lowest entry barrier to dealing in real estate.

I am bullish over the long term, I think the next few years will be an investment opportunity for longer term holds, but CA is not a low barrier to entry / high return market.

For most of the county this rings true for what you could get for normal rent. 

Now to kit it out~We are a block from the beach on the barrier island and I plan on a long lasting finish for my furniture, probably mango wood.  

Of course, we understand the reality of being "from away" and know that might be a barrier we have to overcome.

Side note: Luxury rentals on the most opposite side of the country on the Oregon Coast have not seen a drop off in income production due to greater barriers to entry of STR permits. 

If they value what you value, they will want to become a part of that and will change their ways to conform.If it's important to them but they are physically or mentally incapable of cleaning up the place, then identify the barriers and guide them to some resources.If it's not important to them and they won't come on board with you, then it's time to talk about a move-out plan.Hope this helps!

I'm a very competitive person and I'm mostly in it for the win. 5000 units has a ring that I like.

I haven't house hacked in either, but from a barrier of entry perspective typically the Baltimore area will be the better option.