Most brokerages know new agents might do 1 or 2 closings at a fat 50/50 split and then flame out with zero business if they can't generate new contacts beyond their existing sphere.

In all fairness I'm also saying you can in fact make lots of money in California ...

Is there not a happy place, where you can get better quality properties cheaper than you can in Texas right now, AND get decent cash flow?  

I am looking to focus on increasing cash flow so that I can in turn reduce my own expenses by either living mortgage free via multi units covering my mortgage while also generating cash flow which I can then use to fund future investments.

Contractors can, in LA, investors can't though.

I know lots of fat rich guys.

when it comes to sales and negotiation,"pigs get fat and hogs get slaughtered"!

As previously mentioned, the banks are in business to make money and they make sure they are not losing out in these transactions and will do everything they can in their favor.14.

Hit up as many open houses as you can in the area you want to do business in.  

Absorb what you can here, but also get to as many local networking events that you can in our area.