If house hacking is not an option, you can try out-of-state investing and check markets you are comfortable exploring. 

I did some digging and am comfortable with the water issue, but I find it amazing what banks/HUD will do.My last HUD house they flooded it two days before my closing.

I've not invested with 5S so I can't comment on their product and management specifically but I can say for build to rent, if you’re considering this, ask yourself: Does this fit your investment strategy and comfort level?

I have just received the same callThis a legitimate business model for a STR company, but the website raised a lot of red flags and I would not feel comfortable doing business with them.

For example for me, CoC does not matter as I buy in A/B areas and I hold long term so I am comfortable knowing even if I have zero a slightly negative CoC to start over the long term it will turn and I will end up with a nice return after many years. 

I’d love to hear from others who have reached a comfortable place in real estate:What’s your next step once you’ve “made it”?

I’d love to hear from others who have reached a comfortable place in real estate:What’s your next step once you’ve “made it”?

Get out of your comfort zone.

If your properties are all located in CA I would advise looking in states like IN, OH, FL, TN, OR, GA and a few other states depending on comfort zone.

Clearly, you wouldn't be comfortable investing there and that's totally fine.