MF and SFH homes typically have multiple bids with various clauses to enhance the bids: Escalation clauses, waiving inspections, high EMD, free possession after close, faster inspections etc.  

in Mechanical Engineering, but decided office cubicles weren't my thing, so I took a job as a project manager for a home builder.  

No it will not give you any advantage regardless of the myths people like to propogate.  

Real Estate Investor Book List*(21) Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki*(16) Four Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss*(11) The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber*(6) The Millionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller*(5) The Book on Estimating Rehab Costs by J Scott*(4) The Book on Flipping Houses by J Scott*(4) ABC’s of Real Estate Investing by Ken McElroy’s*(4) Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey*(4) Think and Grow Rich by N.

This does not enhance my experience on BP.Communicate.  

@Fernanda HerreraIt is actually a myth that you need an LLC to take advantage of deductions/credits.You are eligible for the same type of deductions regardless of if you have an entity or not.Regarding LLC vs Corporation.You live within the state of California which likes to charge its residents $800 on an annual basis for businesses entities with limited liability(Corp or LLC) so this is something to be mindful of.You can always start off with an LLC and then request to be taxed as a corporation later if you find it that your business is generating self-employment taxes that can be reduced.However, whether you have an entity or not should be a discussion you decide on after you talk with an attorney and insurance agent.

Distressed properties, or rather distressed sellers is who you should be talking to.To address this myth that Realtors can't wholesale is total BS. 

You need insurance that functions more like an enhanced safety net.

My thing is how am I going to get at least 5 properties under contract at once.

Read some great books while you're overseas like the E-Myth and the 4 Hour Workweek, to give you an idea of how to structure your business around you.