I’ve actually been working on a simpler tool focused on reducing those kinds of repeat tasks and surfacing things that need attention instead of adding more clicks.

I think it is unlikely Torrance was such a location (as there was only a few in southern CA) but do not remember for sure.Building a single small unit is the most pensive residential development costs.Add the other issues with ADUs especially in Ca and ADU additions are typically a poor investment.  

Now I own a mortgage company and a real estate development/NPL business.

If you are far away, you cannot reliably confirm site conditions after a storm, assess whether a vendor actually showed up, or intervene quickly when a situation develops.

The real value is task reminders, follow-ups, and tagging seller motivations. 8.

If the economics don't work or if you risk getting whipsawed by one owner with scale, no amount of enticement can make a bad investment perform good. agreed.. developments that are 100% rentals unless there is strong controls on the front yards IE HOA type situation. they can look pretty ratty in a few years. 

If he has to do all that he is going to be resentful unless you are taking on other tasks of similar You should look into off market deals, tax sales, fsbos, and some on market properties. 

You’re not alone — a lot of investors are feeling the same squeeze right now.From the ground-up / small multifamily side, what we’re seeing is that the “good deals” haven’t disappeared — they’ve just shifted away from traditional acquisitions and more toward development plays.A few trends that stand out:1️⃣ Build-to-Rent Is Filling the GapMany investors are pivoting to duplex and small multifamily construction to create inventory that pencils better long-term.2️⃣ Cost Basis ControlWhen you’re building, you’re locking your basis upfront instead of inheriting someone else’s appreciation plus deferred maintenance.3️⃣ Timeline & Entitlement RiskThe biggest hurdle is navigating plans, permitting, and site feasibility — which is why many investors look for projects that are already moving through that phase.Because of this, we’re seeing increased interest in ready-to-build duplex projects — where lots, plans, and permitting are already in progress — allowing investors to focus on the build and long-term rental strategy rather than starting from raw land.Build-to-rent duplexes have been a strong middle ground lately between single-family and larger multifamily — especially in growth corridors.Always interested in comparing notes with others pursuing duplex or small multifamily ground-up strategies — we’re actively building in SWFL and enjoy sharing insights with others working in similar markets.

We encourage all our investors to budget for working with an experienced property manager as they can keep you compliant, handle the tasks you would prefer a professional do, take care of the maintenance and unit turns, and should add value with their service and experience.Buying a duplex and living in one unit or renting out rooms in a single family house is a good way to get started as it requires less down or look for a value add duplex you can refinance shortly after making improvements.We help investors do this in Michigan.To Your Success!

@Grant Shipman you may want to remove this line, "I've developed, use with all my coliving properties, and teach HPM (household-led property management)" as it appears to be self-promotion.