If you're interested in real estate investing, whether it's flipping or maintaining properties for rental income, it's important to work with a private money lender.

Hello @Melissa Sejour,Choosing an investment city is the most important decision you will make, so you are wise to carefully consider your options.Where you invest depends on your goals.

Successful track record is much more important.  

Having the knowledge of what transmutes separate property to community property may be a very important lesson for you, as well as what liability protection can be afforded by retaining assets as separate property, if any.As to the LLC, there are a variety of opinions, but you are correct that generally any LLC "doing business" in California should register with the California Secretary of State and pay the minimum $800 annual fee. 

It is also near to where mydad lives, which is important to me.

Some items are important, and some are fluff. 

It's important to let the seller know about this upfront so they don't get mad about paying the realtor... or you could pay the realtor out of your pocket or just add a small amount to the sales price if your lender (if you are using a lender) will allow it.

Vetting the operator or borrower is very important.

Credit Rating/Bank Statements/Tax Returns: Specify your requirements, if important to you.Purchase Criterion: How do you define a good deal, which will be profitable for your borrower and safe for you?

2️⃣ Building the Right TeamYou emphasized the importance of quality service providers.