@Angela Hudson if you want to fix/flip find someone local and fund their deal (ie lend).

Researched the area , contacted local team through biggerpockets How did you finance this deal?

As for meeting local wholesalers, networking at meetups or even online could help you connect with the right people. 

I know more about Phoenix living locally but I hear good things about NC especially from east coast investors.

If you want to network or ask specific questions about your local market, go to your local real estate forum and connect with investors from your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/86-local-real-estate-networking5.

Are you focusing on local investments within LA County, or are you considering opportunities outside the area as well?

Do you attend any local meetups in your area?

But being a local it seems like the prices are only going higher. 

Also confirm if its a planned community sometimes they have multiple HOA (master and local) that this can fall under. 

20% down, mortgaged the rest through a local bank How did you add value to the deal?