My goal is to continue to learn more about real estate investing, and find investors who are interested in partnering with me to fund buy-and-hold deals, and build a little empire. 

Is it possible to build this planned empire after just one build?

This is a business and my job is to protect my investment and rental empire.

The inland empire may  be a good place to start.

My goal is to build a stable empire for my children and my well being.Blessings,Lee

Looking for recommendations on a broker in California, specifically in the inland empire, orange county, and possibly LA county area...

One we'll be finishing up in 2-3 weeks, and another one near Windward Mall we are just starting.Anyway, all the best to you in your RE empire building adventures, Cindy!

I too have been researching SoCal, in particular the Inland Empire which comprises San Bernadino and Riverside counties.

Once you have an FHA loan you are not allowed to have another FHA loan unless relocating a great distance for work.Now that you have exhausted your Low Down Payment Options (Portfolio Conventional and FHA Conventional and FHA) you will need to use a Standard Conventional Loan and put 20% down to get your 3rd Duplex.The sky is the limit...you could continue to buy properties and build an empire or just stop there and enjoy more free time...I have friend who quit his job and just manages his properties now.Keep in mind that this 4 step process I outlined takes time (anywhere from 1 to 10yrs depending on the person) so keep the big picture in mind but don't let it stress you out too much.

I will admit that I had many sleepless nights but once all completed and rented out, I felt like I just built the Roman Empire (don't laugh LOL).