try to figure out who is the occupant from a distance--is it the pre foreclosure owner who has issues with leaving? 

Walking distance to the "action." 

I wanted to know if there are any markets in SoCal (driving distance from LA) that it’s still possible to do full BRRRRRs?

Based on what I have seen renters could ride a bike to the beach and be within walking distance to a lot of the restaurants.

If infiltrator is used, the distance is half that.

Therapy, House cleaner, prepared meal delivery, promotion at work, avoid annoying co-worker by switching to a new team/office, laundry service, move so you have a shorter commute? 

Navigating these from a distance can be more challenging.Market Risk: You might not be as immediately aware of changes in the market dynamics, and reacting to market shifts can be more challenging when you're not physically present.Travel Costs and Time: Visiting your property or dealing with issues may require more time and resources, especially if it's a considerable distance away.In summary, investing out-of-state offers the potential for diversification and higher returns, but it requires careful planning, reliance on local experts, and a willingness to adapt to different market dynamics.

I recommend reading “Long-Distance Real Estate Investing: How to Buy, Rehab, and Manage Out-of-State Rental Properties” - I found it to be very helpful when I got started investing 2.5 years ago.

For nearly twenty years I've lived within walking distance to the Beach.

Initially, concerns about the distance between our location and the rental properties arose.