From what I have read, insurance prices in CA should be much higher than they are now, and insurers are not allowed to raise prices without approval from the State.In one story, a guy wanted to buy insurance and was willing to pay for it but nobody would insure his Pacific Palisades home. 

Quote from @Katie Accashian: I am looking to take money from my retirement that I accumulated from my previous employer and move it into a self directed IRA to buy a real estate investment.

Most of what I buy these days is over $10 million.  

This is a great way to buy investment or primary properties!

If I wait until accumulating enough cash in the account to buy another note, this will kill my yield.

Another route you could do is be a money partner for someone buying real estate that does cash flow like STRs or Co-living in Colorado or out of state or even partnering for flips. 

Many of the best investments are the ones you don't buy.

We source off-market deals, manage rehabs, and handle property management so investors don’t have to be local to make it work.If you’re thinking about BRRRR remotely, the key is getting your team dialed in before you buy.

Id also recommend if this is your first investment property your buying to have it as close to home as possible.

The reason most inexperienced investors buy in Detroit or Cleveland is because of cheap pricing.