Time freedom is an admirable goal, but not if you trade off things you love for said freedom.  

you will find your best deals just driving around, and checking preforeclosure lists, etc. tax sales are a great way to find hidden gems. i do not know how good you are at doing the fixer upper thing, but distressed properties are a great way to start. they usually require little money to purchase, and give you great experience at rehabbing a house, and in the end, quite often, yield the best rate of return. keep one thing in mind. i admire your desire to grow big by expanding into LA and other high dollar areas, but remember, high dollar areas do not necessarily mean a high dollar return. my advice?

@Sasha Friedman I admire your "dream big" approach!  

Renee,You have some admirable goals. 

I want you to know why I requested this connection, whether it is admiration, desire to meet up in your community, or to follow to learn.  

It sounds like you need to do a bit more research on the subject before you proceed - wanting to make a deal is admirable, but you need to fully understand what you are doing and the consequences, especially where short sales are concerned.  

I gotta admire the guy. 

I see you have a heart of gold...and that is admirable.

Federal and state lawmakers are taking up the issue, questioning why federal agencies are selling loans at a discount of as much as 30 percent to such firms.One company has emerged as a lightning rod, criticized by housing advocates and lawyers for borrowers, but admired by investors: Lone Star Funds, a $60 billion private equity firm founded in 1995 by John Grayken.

Your passion is very admirable and inspiring!