Hey Eli –Given your situation, DSCR loans could be a solid path, especially if you're aiming to expand your portfolio.

You can EASILY pass several million to your heirs tax free and avoid at least a $1M in taxes if you spend anywhere near 20 years investing in real estate. 

Eminent domain does not work that easily or simply. 

It could EASILY be outlawed the next day with no grandfathering.

You’re absolutely right—LA is a tough but opportunity-rich market, and I’m putting in the groundwork to make the most of it.While I’m starting local in LA, my focus is expanding across California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, and Washington.

This could have easily been replaced with code/AI.

All the videos I’ve watched and the books I’ve read have helped me expand my mindset and approach.

Who cares about lifetime interest costs, except to the extent you can easily lower them (refinance to a lower interest rate) to increase your cashflow.

If there's a family member or friend in a similar situation, and you can both align on the initial plan (location, home type, price, usage/occupancy, etc) you can pretty easily get a co-ownership agreement in place and even a joint mortgage.The benefit here is it might open up your ability to buy a larger place in a nicer area which could lead to a faster rate of appreciation and overall better living environment. 

But in future I am looking to expand more and make it more automated.