And my #1 issue is I don't see any actions to address this in a meaningful, market specific manner. 

Because the reality is that one deal won't make you rich, but the continuous growth you get by doing deals and building your skills, network, and expertise will create the foundation to get you there! 

By structuring the deal efficiently and leveraging market conditions, we were able to secure a strong buyer and close quickly.

If you don't have a US-based bank account, I would get one as that's a requirement by most lenders.

@Roger KimBe careful about gifting twice as well - if you own 50% of the home and give him the full 100% of the proceeds, perhaps it could be considered as a gift from you to him of your 50% of the equity (likely recorded by formal deed prior to the sale). 

I was referred by a rather large investor friend of mine to them.

Concern: LA’s landlord laws, headaches from self managing, a good deal may still have tenants occupying it, if I ever leave it's an alligator so it costs more than the income it makes3️⃣ Out-of-State Rental – Get skin in the game sooner by buying a cash-flowing property elsewhere.

Some of the challenges I've had with areas like Texas and Florida is that they are doing so much building that the only way you can compete is by price. 

There is guideline by section 8, but the inspector sets the rate. 8.

I won't quote this since the Northeast is a very different animal than Texas.You best check to see what is required by the Building Dept. as far as documents and what seals, and then work from there.