It has a free version and in the event you'd like to upgrade once you obtain more properties, the monthly cost is extremely reasonable. 

If you can find a current broker to bring you along that's likely best, but just going to events like that will show you the players in your market. 

My bookkeeping firm provides me with a steady active income, which allows me to keep doing deals, cover unexpected expenses, and navigate the occasional black swan event.

Drew,It sounds like you need to make it out to some of our investor networking events here in Wichita. 

I think one of the worse things about CA is how crowded the various large coastal cities are (traffic, event crowds, pollution, housing shortage, etc.).The question was posed why invest in RE in states like CA. 

Needs a huge remodel (they put the shower in the living room, and you can't open the oven all the way in the kitchen, absolutely ridiculous).I did check the events and meetups category, couldn't find anything nearby. 

Our next event will be February 6th and we'll be posting it under the events tab here in BiggerPockets. 

During the summer months there are a few events, functions and festival type activities going on so you get a few bookings around that.

Maybe we can keep in touch for the future positive event?

If your serious about it you should join facebook groups, go to real estate networking events, connect with people who are doing it and ask them questions.