I'd also suggest flying to the area multiple times and getting to know the neighborhoods and establishing a trusted team (key word: trusted).

Little being the key word. 5%-10% max.I would not approach the tenants asking them about increasing the rent.

It's about having a website, google biz page, being listed where people are looking, having things indexed and keyworded so, as is said, if/when someone looks they will find you ie being FOUND. 

Key word 2024 because as soon as 2025 hit, they've done 10 capital / "preferred equity" calls.

Any tips on finding qualified (key word) borrowers in my local area?

Go through all of the forums, search keywords, podcasts.

(Beyond beds/baths/price - think cap rate targets, cash-on-cash goals, keywords like "fixer-upper" or "turnkey," specific locations/neighbourhoods, zoning, etc.)Once you identify a potentially interesting property, what are the first few critical questions you need answered to decide if it's worth pursuing further? 

Btw... you said the magic words "I'm in California" and triggered the keywords "out of state" and "O-h-i-o" ...LOL 

So with this plan you get a year to feel things out at NET-0 or better. ideally you rent your place for say $2,100 and you rent a place for say $1,800 making for a gross net of $300 which should be enough to also cover any PM fee's as well making it truly a NET-0 to test the waters to see IF, keyword IF you can be a Landlord BEFORE getting yourself "pot-committed". 

Hi Ralph, A big part of SEO of a site is content, emphasizing quality, keyword optimization and user experience.