That will help ensure you aren't overpaying on taxes.

STRs typically seem highly profitable and fun, but I would make sure you aren't just buying into the hype.

@Marcus Miceli  you need to be licensed to do business in CA if they are not.. and probably they aren't you taking the right approach..

For my own investing we use conventional loans as much as possible, however in Michigan where we invest prepayment penalties aren't as flexible. 

They aren't going to have good credit or a lot of income, so what would be good screening requirements? 

I've looked at a number of cheaper courses/classes, ~$400 range, but read on this site repeatedly that gurus aren't needed.

If there aren’t other fourplexes nearby, they’ll typically pull duplexes, triplexes, or even larger single-family homes within a reasonable radius and then adjust for size, unit mix, and condition.

Is it month-to-month, or are you locked into a year-long contract even if things aren’t working out?

Most throw money away on useless asset protection systems that aren't relevant and provide no benefit.

If the rentals aren't performing well, you'll have a steady income coming in.