I also ran across a tool called Mashvisor recently that appears on the surface to provide data on investment areas, but to my point, it can be overwhelming and time-consuming to test and learn all the available platforms out there. 

MLS access and control of information is a contentious issue for agents and consumers, Zillow and the like are dominating the market with this data making it harder for agents in the ensuing years, heck harder for everyone.Better question to ask is what information are you looking for?

And other times the probate itself will take so long to process that probate itself consumed and value the estate once had. 

So, I wouldn't spend all you have just to get your first deal, unless you can be confident you can do what @Heather Wilkerson did - or it will be your only deal.Can you split the difference - are there markets within driving distance that would allow you not to consume all your funds, but still supervise your team (agent, property manager, contractor, etc.?)

Under the Dodd-Frank Act, if the loan will be secured by a property that the borrower will use for residential purposes, then the person who makes or arranges the loan would be defined as a “loan originator,” and must have a mortgage originator license.However, Dodd-Frank doesn’t apply to non-consumer buyers, so (for example) if you want to loan money to an investor who will borrow under their LLC to flip a house then you’d be exempt from the mortgage originator license requirement of Dodd-Frank.But since you’re in California, there are state laws that apply.

This seems to be a lazy human's way to jump into investing, but I feel it would be a good way to learn some of the processes of investing while avoiding warming waters and time consuming rehab projects.

I have provided some books and videos, he has consumed it all.

There are tons of podcast with great info and the forums have more information than you could consume.

In the end, you are building a business that has assets (not consumer debt)... if you have solid cashflowing rentals, you are in a good position to continue to get lending.  

I’ve been consuming as much as I can.