As noted earlier, most evictions are rinse and repeat, and even if you need to find local attorneys to sign off on paperwork, it's likely less expensive if the paperwork is prepped ahead of time.Just a thought.

In my opinion, the best "first step" is to find a local REIA to attend. 

Going to local RE meetups can be a great way to make these connections!

I had a local bank provide a 1031 without fees. 

To be honest, I´m in the Maintenance & Construction for corporate businesses for some US companies in Mexico and we do some Real Estate down here also, but it´s way much different than the US, so I have much to learn from a lot of people around here and as @Julio Gonzalez, I think this is pretty much the right pad and place to start and to break my fears to start all over again from scratchAlso, I´ld like to hear more from @Justin Brickman why he voted for his city, pros and cons, it will help to read from a local...As I said before, thank you all guys for taking the time to write in this post and share some experienceDo you plan to owner occupy. $40k will not get you a non owner occupied San Diego property unless you find some unlikely alternate financing.

I think the borrower is better off trying a local bank or broker in that area.

If you want to chat sometime I am local. 

You could also reach out to @Jonathan Klemm who is local as well.

Attend the local and regional Real Estate meetups.

Go to BUILD YOUR TEAM at the top of the screen and look for local investors or meetups in your area.