I've purchased a couple of my investment properties directly from property management clients who decided to sell. 

You would have to be significantly cheaper than my current cleaners for me to give you a shot, because I generally have only changed cleaners for either consistent subpar work or increasing/unreasonable prices.

Currently, we own one vacation rental in Duluth and one college rental. 

He has a historical record with Norada whether he does business directly with them or not. 

I don't think you need to open a direct California LLC. 

The president has zero impact on underwriting guidelines and  zero direct control of interest rates. in fact the fed has no direct control of long term rates that effect mortgage rates.

Seems like it'd be lower maintenance since it's a new build and in a nice area.

I come across SFR in other states from time to time direct to seller. 

But as of the last 6 or so months I seem to be losing direction.

Went and viewed about 10 properties, made an offer on one without a buyer's agent, so that the selling agent would double end the deal and they accepted a below ask offer at a time when prices were climbing.How did you finance this deal?