It's shark-infested waters, to say the least. 

'oh you need to do xyz' but to me -- I'm a guppie in sharks and have no idea.

But I can tell you this with 13 years experience, cash buyers are like sharks, if there's a kill, you don't search for them they find you.

Hi guys!
I've paid off my home that is now worth $530K - I want to use the equity I've accumulated to purchase an investment property (multi-family or small apartment in the LA area).
1. What is the best way I can...

Points are figured in the APR as an amount not received in the present value of the loan amount received with the other factors in place and computing the % rate.I'd say you have a crook loan shark type, keep looking.

Be very careful with your money, the majority of people on BP are great and share info and advice for free, but there are some sharks in these waters so keep your guard up. 

You can also turn to some of the sharks and investors plying BP who would be interested in your market. 

I'm thinking about what SEALs are taught about shark encounters:  Don't swim away. 

We use comps from MLS, Zillow, Property Shark, Redfin, etc.

It has been many years since I've used an coin operated washer or dryer, but they used to be able to adjust what the amount they charged by putting something in the slots.