I want a real estate agent with a hustler's mentality, who knows the neighborhoods, studies appreciation and deal analysis already, understands short-term rentals, and is potentially looking to be a scalable partner with me.

I'm assuming you would need an LLC for each property but potentially you could make one that would encompass all your properties. 

I suspect build cost in CA are closer to 400 a foot than 200 like many other areas and of course far higher for the custom homes.

That being said, if it provides me a significant advantage or a starting point, I think it would be foolish not to utilize it.Therefore, given these two different perspectives/starting points, I'd love to hear any potential advice on which strategies/niches to focus on first, and for which starting point.

SIH has some marketing gimmick with the Real Estate Guys where they bus unsuspecting retail customers around to the sites to see home being built.

And we still see cash flowing deals here and lots of appreciation potential.

The IRS disaster assistance page and hotline are key resources for those seeking guidance.One significant benefit for those who have experienced property damage is the potential to claim a casualty loss deduction.

Your competitive advantage comes from experience, knowing your market, and seeing greater potential in a property than what others may see.

Be sure to actually contact the landlord for verification—fake references are more common than you’d think.In-Person Meeting: Meeting potential roommates in person is a great way to get a feel for compatibility.

It’s easy access to the other neighborhoods   Lots of potential development space for bars and restaurants   Lake effect brewing is dumping money into a brew pub.