My take as an insider is that it's because it's actually a much harder job than many might realize, and a consultative/ interpersonal/ hands on one that simply cannot be replaced easily with technology. 

Living in Southern California, I realize the market here is quite expensive, and I’m not sure if it’s the best place to get started.

And as far as the darkweb you do realize every transaction is recorded on the public blockchain right?

You have to spend the money somehow without always thinking of the 4th quadrant, even though that money was realized from another asset You're in GA so you may relate even better to our market.

Then I realized having 2 paid off rentals was the dumbest thing I could do financially. lol.

note investor buys a wrap note does not go through escrow and does not realize the person they bought the note from did not pay the underlying when the money was transfered.  

Not understanding/not realizing a condition exists is unlikely to work as a defense.

Now, I realized I made a mistake by letting them using the garage, since now they are starting taking over. 

I didn’t realize they have started the Turks properties?

The longer that you are in the real estate investing game, the more that you realize that actual wealth is built through appreciation.