What I personally do is I will hire a local Civil engineer who has done subdivisions in the jurisdiction and I will pay them up front for a detailed feasibility study.

There is a big difference in how those are handled  HAHA I just saw a post and commented where the person wanted to ask if they should overpay for a home because they can get is seller financing.

As a neighbor, personally I don't care if someone smoke a little weed every now and then, but if they are smoking non stop 25 times a day, you might lose a good tenant over that. 

I personally recommend checking Columbus OH - lots of job growth, population growth, and major companies moving and developing here.

I was wondering if there are any recommend in-person meetups in the LA area.

When you say "we," are you speaking about your business or your personal tax returns, or does your business flow into your personal returns because you file as a sole proprietor?  

The lower barrier to entry would be excellent for my personally smaller net worth.

If they are available online or in person.

Owner financing and HELOC on personal residence How did you add value to the deal?

Offered to intern/work for him at half the pay as his personal assistant if he would teach me everything he knew.