There are several key state and national level political, social, and economic reasons for this: some adverse blue state politics, hybrid work options, other states and regions becoming more desirable, etc.Personally I think that if you already own appreciated and good quality properties (i.e. not war zones) in costal CA, they are safe and solid holds for the long term.

Hey @Rene Bee, Not sure the condition of the ones that are currently there, but if you search on YouTube and social media platforms there are a ton of videos that show what some paint and new hardware can do to outdated kitchen cabinets.

From my own experience and what I know of others, you just have to factor tax increases into your overall rent increases, just like you would insurance, PM and inflation increases.It doesn't hurt to socialize the tax increase and give the tenant some warning that rent will have to increase, but I think you're going to have to eat this until you can get the rent up to reflect the increase. 

Joining online forums and social media groups related to real estate investing can also be helpful.

Unfortunately my post is going to sound very negative, pessimistic and anti social, but based on sad reality of life.

I have done a lot of reading, research, watched videos, and followed exciting people engaged in the space across social media -- but as we all know, there is no better way to learn than to DO.So...I am looking for a mentor who will help guide my early decision-making and hopefully make my initial foray into real estate investing a little more educated. 

In addition to the usual tenant screening tips suggested, I recommend completing a social media search on all occupants that are going to reside at your property.

They should have some sort of income, such as retirement income from their jobs, or social security.

I'm starting to get a small group of people going as a real estate social meetup in southwest Atlanta.

As another example, some rural Americans similarly lament some social changes in our country and also want to keep living their lives as they have and similarly resist adjusting.