1) join your local party. Typically they have county parties. Depending on the size of the city where you live in there may be a neighborhood group.
2) vote in every election.
3) if you have a specific seat in mind start attending their meetings regularly.
4) do you live in an area that has a neighborhood association? If so, join it and get on those committees. If there isn't one, s
Santa Cruz is cold and requires a wetsuit but good surf and mountains. 2 hours from skiing. San diego is a possibility but far from real mountains. Honestly I'd suggest Maui or a hawaiin island.
1) Yes, also can happen with levels.
2) Some can make you bleed and disarm (rip). Others just have additional progs like project which does damage and uses up mana
3) My understanding is it makes you parry better with exotics and makes your skills 100% with them. I'm not sure how it works offensively.
Before you invest, like other people have said make sure its a true rental property. That means a yard (front and back if applicable) that is pretty much unkillable. Even if you have automatic sprinklers they'll somehow get turned off/malfunction/get eaten by a kid or dog.
Also, make sure all your appliances/carpet/cabinets/toilets/floors are easily replaced, this will mean keeping ex