Wouldn’t it be a better cash on cash return to just hire more MLO’s?

If I end up buying OOS, I don't plan on managing the property myself but hiring a property manager and I agree that cash flow in LA is difficult because of the rent control.

this may be something that will happen again, no matter what PM co. you hire, it happens, were all human and it unfortunately is part of the business.

You can hire just about anyone to manage your property, why not your wife?

Since this is our first eviction we opted to hire our RE Attorney and learn the process and our rights so moving forward we have a good understanding and can likely handle it ourselves.

In my experience, these agents are familiar with what investors are looking for.2- Can’t help there, I interviewed and hired my own.3- The agents that you find from #1 will also have contractor names as they use contractors to do repairs to get the homes ready for sale. 

You will be able to barter your skills with tradesmen and have a better handle on hiring trades.Save your money, stay in school, drive a dependable PAID FOR car and do not ever take on student debt.  

I would hire contractors to do all of the construction.

2) Can I do the above myself or I have to hire a license contractor?

If you hire a painter specify this, because all painters use flat paint in most of the house because it hides imperfections better.