Josh, we are entering a period where the FED has came out and said rates are coming down.Based on decades of data, during market cycles when interest rates are decreasing, asset prices rise.

With $15-20K liquid, focus on lower-cost Midwest markets where down payments stretch further. 

I used to think that cold calling was the only way to get off-market deals.

I have a feeling my entire local market is going to be the same outlook to make their over value seem reasonable to themselves..Do you or they, control the future?

Even if you get a great deal that is 20% below market, appraisers will typically be anchored by the last sale price and you may be stuck not being able to pull out as much cash as you need to pay off the HELOC.

When the reference was written it was valid but since then ISSUES have come to light and I NOT LONGER WISH TO BE ASSOCIATED with this current reference!

From there we identify properties that could have some potential and if you are interesting in diving deeper, 1) we do a thorough video walkthrough to give you a realistic look of the property, 2) we give a ballpark estimate of rehab costs (we do 40 a year with our GCs o we will get pretty close), 3) we talk through market rent with our property management team, ARV, and potential highest and best use.Ideally you find great investor agents who know their market really well and have a network of resources to provide you with enough confidence to take reasonable action. 

Quote from @Bud Meacham: The market is very competative in California.

I am an experienced investor and unexpectely find myself managing a duplex myself and wondering if there is a small landlord (aka inexpensive) simple solution for marketing, background checks and lease creation that markets on zillow? 

(Whatever is required by your local market.).