They run an extensive operation with many "partners" around the country.

The numbers are not surprising either.Real estate agents in 2019        549,000Real estate agents in 2023        440,000I think they should probably qualify these numbers, as these really are the ones WORKING AS AGENTS, there are believed to be 2,000,000 licensed real estate agents in the country, and 1,548,058 Realtors (members of the NAR) as of January 2023Did you know that the most common number of deals an agent does in a year is zero?

Too early to say whether the licensing and legislation/reform that's slowly being introduced across the country will clean up the perception but currently this is how many in the industry (particularly the ones you want to build relationships with) view the RE wholesale industry. 

That said, I believe it'd be best to find a property within South Bay that will also feed our goals.We're aware that South Bay is notably pricier than most of the country. 

As @Jefferson Black pointed out, furnishing a rental is a hefty ticket and the turnover can be a lot to manage (esp. if you happen to be out of state/country).

I would suggest getting someone very familiar with the area and not think its a good deal just because its a brand new build. this is why I suggest Build to rent buyers around the country look at least at multiple unit dwellings. the majority of investors are buying single family homes where the rents don't even meet the 1% rule. we build infill triplexes in columbus that meet these ratios and are well locate in the urban core. you have to find an operator that does what you want. sorry to hear about your issues Chris 

If we have learned anything from the pandemic, isn't it that we should have all our assets and income in the same country at the mercy of one single government?

.: @Engelo RumoraI have heard that there are laws in the works that will ban investing anywhere in the country except Columbus.

This acquisition positioned us as one of the 10 largest single family property management companies in the country.

We relocated our family across the country.