It’s not working and I’m following the directions religiously. 

Our leaders need education in this matter.

They are leaders and very active in the National Association of Property Management-Narpm.   

And anything religious is even more of a red flag to me, because it says that the 'buyer' thinks that I'm so gullible, that a mention of God would make me more interested in dealing with him' - In fact, anyone that used something religious is someone I'd be even less inclined to deal with, because they don't think they can can offer enough credibility by themselves, so they throw God into the mix. 

Maybe ask your religious leader (???)

Find any and all local REI groups and attend them religiously.

I'm a 29 year old American living in California (Silicon Valley) with $500k in cash.Due to religious reasons, I cannot use leverage (i.e. bank loans), so my investments need to be all cash.I need to invest this money in a way that will get me good rental returns.I do think my only options may be to go out of state.I was thinking of potentially buying two condos in not so great neighborhoods in California ($250k each) and renting them out.I was also thinking about going out of state and buying two nice townhouses (maybe somewhere in Arizona, North Carolina, Texas, etc) at $250k each and renting them out.I'm not sure what to do with my money that will get me good returns, while not being able to use leverage.Should I go out of state, or invest somewhere in California where the rental returns won't be so great?

Many are specific to the individual that I am meeting with but there are some questions that I have taken from John Maxwell's book "Good Leaders Ask Great Questions."

Dennis Block Atty   is the leader in los angeles for awful tenants  AOA  will be here on oct 19 and he will be there speaking along with other atty

You, the leader holds the pack togetherKeep up the great work!