I just stumbled upon a bunch of listings from all over the country that people were trying to offload (with owner financing and without).

California stucco systems are different than any other area in the country.  

Why all over the country?

I want to start locally and eventually start investing in other markets around the country.

@Gerard Connolly-  First of all... thank you so much for your service to this country!

I don't know that this is true all over the country, but is not uncommon in the Midwest.

California is probably going to be more expensive though and returns will probably be lower than other parts of the country.

Look in the middle of the country at secondary and tertiary markets with stable and growing economies that are relatively diverse and not at the mercy of one large corporation. 

Big drivers are the hospital/healthcare presence between Sentara, Eastern Va Medical School, and the children's hospital, also easy commuting to downtown Norfolk for banking and legal, AND you're a stones throw away from the largest college in the area, Old Dominion University.

Here you can network and learn, keep up with the market all over the country.