The merchant also failed to provide proof that the cancellation policy was properly disclosed to the cardholder."

I recommend finding local meetups to attend. https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521I have found all of my best connections at local meetups.

I am debating using my local lawyer vs. finding a lawyer in the state where the property is located.

I really want to do local meetups and interact with more advanced investors but don’t know where to start.

It is hard to really keep up with those kinds of trends unless I budget 10k a year in updating the property which I am not going to do.I participate in our local council/mayor meetings.

After debating local vs. or OOS, it seems like prudent advice to try to start locally with long term MF in so cal. 

Being a part of the local REIAs in both towns can help you understand more of what is going on.  

Go to local meetups, search these forums for people that have mentioned that they do private lending and attend other RE events.

You could get a loan from a local bank or private lender to fund it

When dealing with federal, state, and local NOFA (notice of funds availabilities), do government funds allocated for affordable housing often get depleted from too many developers requesting funds for new projects?