highlight_post=4170358&page=5#p4170358@Scott Innocente, has been a huge asset to me in finding decent MFRs and off market possibilities.

And while nothing is foolproof the most consistent method of finding good vendors is relying on OTHER real estate investors that have worked with those vendors. 

Find someone in the neighborhood of your building to help you out.

I think majority of those that are displaced will likely find homes in the surrounding communities in CA (I’m sure some local CA experts have better insight).

So I get your hesitation to be too demanding and your desire for the problems to go away as fast as they can, however since you have NO property manager ( I don't use one either), it is incumbent that you take a more ACTIVE approach with management of your property.Let's review your situation.  1st time leak occurred, you sent a plumber over to find the problem.  

It is much easier to find HELOCS for your primary residence, but some lenders will do a HELOC on a investment property as well 

If you can come in and operate effectively I think you'll find success rather quickly due to that.BTW - for a property management platform I would highly recommend Buildium.

It does not matter if you find the single best market in the US.

Narrowing down the options will probably come down to comps and city/neighborhood specifics; things like permits.Any good suggestions for finding out how long permits are taking in certain areas?

I fairly positive that wont work, i have read that contacting mortgage brokers is the best way to go if you can find one.