As of now i mainly just go on zillow and look up local properties in the inland empire, riverside county or san bernardino county.2) Does anyone have any advice on how I could find a mentor in my area, i figure the best way to learn is to model someone that's already doing it.3) Are there any local meet ups in the inland empire or orange county ?

I was wondering if anyone knew any REI attorney's in Southern California, preferably in the Inland Empire?

Something tells me you'll enjoy working for yourself and building an empire a lot more.

Only running the real numbers will tell you.As for close to LA, I know the inland empire was good for some time, but think it's been recovering, so may not be as smoking as it once was.

#2: what's the likelihood the value will reach $300k in Perris, CA (inland empire) again#3: is it wise to pay down with $10k to make to remove the MI, lessening the monthly payment amount.

There are tons of financing strategies on BP that should help you grow your passive income empire.

Dude every one who comes to Hawaii has this idea but you are like 50 years too late... you are better off finding something in LA or inland empire if you want to stick to a tier 1 primary market.San Francisco, Hawaii, Los Angeles, Seattle, Boston are examples of primary markets which are NOT ideal for cashflow investing. 

Our goal is to build a portfolio or as I say an "empire" of passive income to provide the cash flow needed for early retire in 15 years, wo we do work on furthering our careers.

Here are some new Member Tips as well.Tip # 1: How to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketsTip # 2: Setting up Keyword AlertsTip # 3: 25 Tips for Real Estate SuccessTip # 4: Check out the Start Here pageTip # 5: Check out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's GuideTip # 6: Listen to BiggerPockets PodCastDon't know which one to listen first..listen to BiggerPockets Podcast 108: Building a 350 million Real Estate empire using the 10X rule with Grant CardoneTip #7: VotesHope this helps.

I'm located in the D.C. area and highly motivated to start building a real estate empire.