Brokers and sellers need to be able to envision you as a good operator for the business, and they have to believe you can actually get the deal done.Your initial outreach should not get into numbers.

I would start with them.I am not based in LA, so I don't know your exact laws, but I think I can still provide some initial direction for you to find answers, and maybe offer an idea to research.  

House-hacking with a multi-family property is a fantastic way to get started—it’s one of the best strategies for learning the ropes of property management while generating income right from the start.

This creates a negative initial position.

Investing in a property that’s already renovated, rented, and professionally managed could allow you to start generating passive income immediately without the added expenses of house hacking.What’s most important for you in this first deal—cash flow, appreciation, or long-term stability?

Both generate passive income streams without you having to clock in at a 9-to-5.🏗️ Building Equity While Others PayWhen your tenant pays rent, they're helping you pay down your mortgage - building your equity.

My goal is to diversify with an investment that generates steady cash flow, even if it requires a larger upfront investment and lower overall returns. 

Even before only every 5th deal or so would truly allow to recycle all cash and generate 25% equity. 

--Again, unpopular BP opinion, but books are written to sell, podcasts are made to generate subscribers, etc etc. 

Initially you can interview and find the one that fits your needs.