I suppose this is just part of the game where volume matters most to find the ONE right deal.

You can certainly purchase (or already have) the lot, you can get a loan (hard money is a very bad idea in the COVID environment, where high volume, extremely experienced builders can't finish a house on time or on budget), you can get plans drawn, you can submit for permit. 

I am not in LA, but since it has been two days with no local answers for you, I have some tipsWhat you want is a high volume landlord tenant attorney.

The lower volume firms (who are also less experienced at landlord tenant work) are charging $1000-1500.

For first-timers, what normally causes the most heartburn is the rule that you have to formally identify what you want to buy within 45 days of your sale. 

you can get your numbers for .18/name, which is about half price (unless you're doing serious volume). 

24 months ago it was harder to find folks doing these smaller loans.Today it's much easier because lending volume is down so much.I even had a loan officer I used to work with call me the other week.

I Know postcards are much cheaper than letters, and I know mailers in general is a volume game.

Depending on where you flip, you'll need to determine whether you want to do a volume play (cheaper deals but need to do more to make substantial money) or more expensive markets where one deal can be significant. 

As far as tips, I'd recommend looking into the high-volume markets within any county of interest.