I prefer the brrr strategy as well and is primarily what I do. 

I prefer to stay in Birm and other areas.

Often you have the choice of being in a protected first lien position for 8% return or an exposed 2nd or 3rd position for, say, 10-15% return.Remember, you can always buy a tax-free CA municipal bond - the most boring and stable investment possible, pretty much - and get a 4% return while paying zero tax. 

I've never had much interest in flipping - prefer buy & holds... but I see people losing money left and right due to the fact that they just have cash and want to jump in.

You have several choices.

Single and small multi both have their merits- i prefer small multi :)Also, here's a section of a post I just made on another thread about a more detailed method of cap-ex calculation:Truly, the best method for the over analytical, is to segregate the cost of replacement vs. remaining lifespan of each component of the property & find out how much need be budgeted yearly until replacement of that component comes due.

Personally I have an offer on the table as we speak for 4.41% 5 year ballon commercial loan LMK if you want further details - Yes LLC - yes personal guarantees / New construction so I'm doing 20 year amort Lender will allow 25 just my preference.

Few of them go for Section 8 and some prefer regular tenants.You have to get certificate of occupancy and renewals for landlord to comply with city regulations.Based on the quality of finish and pars of Inkster; the rents can be varying.

Preferably one with experience with STRs, but at the very least one who understands real estate investing.

I have clients prefer that sometimes.