Examples could include:Partnering with other investors to share risk.Using seller financing or lease options.Leveraging creative rehab techniques to save on costs.Negotiating with contractors in a unique way to reduce expenses.I’d love to hear any stories, tips, or approaches that helped you pull off a deal others might have instantly passed on.

You should read through some of these numerous posts on this topic.

Quote from @Alberto Cioni: I read it. 

They will be able to give you some sage advice that would work for your specific buy box.Johnathan - thank you for the tip.

We read the reviews so we brought a projector.

If you haven’t read Brandon Turners book on managing rental properties or Landlording on Autopilot by Mike Butler, read those.

Lilia’s breakdown of what to consider before investing is something I wish I’d read when I started.To add some color, I had a client a few years ago who purchased a duplex in Austin with a plan to hold for 12+ years.

But it's difficult for me to just hand over money to someone I've never met, when I have so many friends (and have read so many stories here) who have been ripped off by contractors.How can I protect myself?

He kept in touch with local contractors, and one tipped him off about a homeowner who ran out of funds mid-renovation.

I hope you will get some good advice on here.I read that you said you don't want to invest outside of OC.