With you guys having a strong financial base you have plenty of options, you guys just need to pick ONE then go for it. 

Once you feel you've built a strong team with your first property and have solid systems in place, I would then start buying more aggressively and taking on bigger projects.

I'd recommend working with a good strong property manager that lives in that area that can check on them.

Strong agreements that protect your position in the deal, and recording a Memorandum of Option with the county will go a long way to protecting your interest. 

If you have a couple homes with super strong LTVs then refi it with a private lender.

regardless of my political beliefs, i am of course still hopeful that the economy remains strong. 

As such, your success will come from knowing the nuances of the market and where you can drive value/achieve strong returns. 

Plus, since 2013, the average annual rent growth and appreciation have been 8% and 10% respectively.In further discussions with this couple, they expressed their desire for both strong rental income and the tax benefits of investment real estate—advantages that are only available with properties in our target market segment.Additionally, their desired retirement home features and the characteristics of a good rental property were completely misaligned.

The numbers can still work, but only for unique properties with strong demand or hybrid STR/MTR models that maximize occupancy.If you're set on SoCal, you might have better luck in less saturated, STR-friendly areas like Big Bear or Crescent City.

With a strong background in customer service and team coordination, I am eager to learn and apply my skills in this new venture.I am seeking guidance, mentorship, and any valuable information that can help me start and succeed in the real estate wholesaling industry.