Hi everyone,
I'm planning to get into fixing and flipping properties in Oakland, California, and I'm looking for advice from those who have experience in the area. Here are a few specific questions I have:
Challenge...

I would suggest seeking off market properties.

I have already filed a formal complaint with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) regarding this matter.Given the circumstances, I am seeking your advice on whether pursuing action in small claims court would be a recommended course of action. 

Are you seeking value add?  

I, like many used to think “newbies” posted questions or asked for “help” to obtain the best advice from experienced investors, obtain guidance on strategic alternatives, or get a qualified opinion on whether the latest hot guru was worth the $40k price of admission.But, I was WRONG.No, none of those reasons are why newbies come to BP.They don’t want to find out that their “revelation” about how to invest has been tried about 10 million times - with limited successThey don’t want to learn that without capital, knowledge and experience their willingness to commit weekends is near uselessThey don’t want our opinion that they should skip trying to wholesale and spend some time learning as a licensed agentThey don’t want advice that has them taking classes at community colleges or learning real estate law, finance, or principles.So WHAT do they seek when they come to BPThey want comfort, encouragement. and to be told their thoughts are correct.

I know that your question is general, but if you seek someone in the Philadelphia area, DM me. 

I would caution on the tax treatment of STRs.

It's definitely challenging, but networking and seeking mentorship are key steps to success, and it sounds like you're on the right track.

If he doesn’t file for bankruptcy and holds on for a little while longer while getting the 1st short sale and then is forced into bankruptcy anyway, it is conceivable the trustee will seek a "claw back" on preferential payments complicating both his and his previous lender's life.

While I have sufficient liquid cash on hand, I prefer to maintain liquidity as I'm actively seeking my next deal.