But I look at it this way, let's say I answer someone's question in Columbus OH and it sits out there for a while and gets read by someone in New Jersey or California and it helps that person. 

A 1%- and 2%- rule property is hugely better in California compared to Costa Rica because you can leverage in California and you can't in Costa Rica (notwithstanding the fact the risk is higher in Costa Rica too so you'd actually expect a higher return there).

I still have that house and it rents for a grand these days. my first house was late 70s that I bought  in those days it was 80 10 and 10  you need 10% cash and normally a private HML would give you the 10% second and bank was the first.. interest on the first was 9% second was 15%.. this was before the Carter interest rate run up.. paid 80k for it in Milpitas CA.. and it was brand new bought it from Shapel . 

Here are the new rental laws in California for 2024.

I provide acquisitions all around CA, WA NC & GA Primarily, but still Look to contract everywhere else.

We currently live in CA, but are moving to Illinois in the coming months - so this will be our state of residence soon.

typically no special license is needed when doing it for hard money loans that I am aware of. there may be states like california and nevada that are tricky where lenders need a license of some sort but for most part brokers i have seen are not licensed. 14 or 15 states require state license and NMLS registration.

we did this a lot pre 07  in that year Oregon WA and then CA made laws that had lots of teeth about dealing with those in foreclosure.. so we just stopped doing it risk was not worth it.I cant see how an individual can do this really..

If you live in CA investing in Alabama, OH, or TX might not make sense.

@Candice Coates I actually co-host since I still live in CA for now