Our rehab cost estimation comes from researching the area and talking with local investors that have similar properties. 

@Audrey Sommer I prefer investing in my local market (Snohomish County).

They are generally large retail boxes that in my experience need to get demised for another user to take over, unless you find some kind of "local grocery" to backfill. 

Lower tax revenues, when combined with higher construction costs, could compel local governments to tighten their belts.

Local networking events can be a great way to get connected.

I have a lot of personal experience with BRRRR—both from building my own rental portfolio here in Memphis, TN and from helping both local and out-of-state investors successfully scale their portfolios using this strategy.One of the biggest advantages I’ve been able to offer my clients is structuring deals with hard money lenders in a way that allows them to acquire properties with less than $10,000 out of pocket in most cases which results them in massive cash on cash returns!

I want to find something local (Los Angeles area), move in, do small renovations to possibly build up more equity, do a 1031 exchange, and find something better. 

Start by attending real estate meetups, BiggerPockets forums, and local investor groups to connect with potential partners.

Do I contact appraisers and local title insurance agencies to begin to find one that I could use? 

You can get all the networking you desire locally (REIA's) and at your local Church (Men's groups).Quite a business model though...if they have 1000+ members paying $700/mo...well, you do the math!