Joshua Tree, Big Bear, Palm Springs, San Diego would be good markets to look into.

Tyler Shirk's team with Bear BnB is the "go-to" for STR PM in Kansas City-- and they specialize in taking control of the property, furnishings, and pretty much handling everything.

It is not possible to drive to Big Bear or elsewhere two hours away each time a guest leaves my STR to pass the Material Involvement test.Anyone doing this successfully in LA?

You basically fill it with dirt and cheap soil and then plant all on top so someone can have a garden or nice option there.

My cards are turning into interest bearing cards so I was going to turn to my wife's credit.

@Lenny Machin  @Beka Shea is right a soil scientist would be helpful and we have employed several over the years. 

Price point has no bearing whatsoever on this transaction. 

My husband hunts on the property, lots of wildlife - deer, bear, turkey etc. 

The combination of hot long summers (soil dries out) and lots of moisture in winter and spring (saturates the soil) causes the ground to constantly expand and contract.Out of state investors get freaked out by foundation issues but being that its such a normal occurrence, you have a plethora of foundation companies that know how to fix them with relative ease. 

Hate to be the bear, but it's gonna be a bumpy ride for a while.