This is very basic knowledge, even among people who don’t invest in California.

I want to ask them basic questions like what experience they have managing rentals personally, how many doors their company manages, how long they have been in business, and what they feel their company’s strengths are.

Basically anything I've read states that you have to keep your money separate from the properties or any personal assets can become a liability and at a risk of loss.

As to the complications of owning/investing overseas, it's not easy to answer general questions but basically depends on the country.

I've basically been told that.

Joseph Montes - We did not want the guide to get too overwhelming, and decided to keep it to the basics.

Basically, write down every ****** thing they're probably thinking about you.

That is a basic tenet of project management and something many investors fail to appreciate. 

Hey Jonah,i use the most basic quickbooks subscription for 9doors.

Most investors view these basics as "active" activities and are not required for a passive investment.