I am local to Los Angeles - based in Orange County.A bit about me: I’m a civil engineer by profession with experience in local government.

My name is Sonya Waites and if you have questions, I don’t mind answering them based on my own personal experience.

I'm also based in California.

Andy Sirkin, based in San Francisco but supposedly has done some in Las Angeles. 

It would likely be comparable to what you pay in the NE.Just google "Lexington County tax estimator" or whatever county you're interested in and you'll usually find a web tool from the County you can use to estimate the tax bill based on the previous year's assessments.There is also a law called the ATI tax exemption that can potentially lower than 6% rate by 25%.

Well this is going to be more mandated by your investor base than anything a mentor can help you with (i.e. there are groups raising money targeting low double digit returns, with limited cash flow, and other groups that need to show mid-20s to get investor interest).Lastly, if you are looking at a mentorship: really hammer on HOW they will help you be successful. 

I’m a full-time sales professional at a global GSI, so I’m seeking relatively efficient strategies.Has anyone successfully used cash-out refinances, 1031 exchanges, or other equity-based approaches to boost income?

When an appraiser is adjusting a comp to match the subject property, he or she will use an adjustment based on the difference in square footage.

@Greg Loberg I have experience working with them but on the title side.They're based in Martinsburg, WV. 

You can get something that's turnkey or new construction at this price point, and most importantly, there's a strong tenant base ready to rent out these homes.