Welcome, @James Hill IIISoCal can be a tough nut to crack for newbies.A couple years ago I mailed out lots of letters to homeowners across LA County with no luck.Then I tried rural Kern County and got a deal from a distressed homeowner in California City.The margins were not as large as they would've been in LA or OC, but I was able to rent it out for 2 years before fixing it up and selling it for a decent gain.Also, have you considered an owner-occupied small multifamily for your first deal?

We are just finishing up the final three units, so hopefully the decision to go with 5 versus 4 units will bear fruit with future appraisals. 

Before this business he would buy wrecked Yamaha R6 motorcycles and disassemble them in his garage, selling every single piece, part, nut and bolt that wasn't damaged, individually at swap meets and online. 

If the pro-forma spreadsheet is correct the coworker would be nuts to sell it.But, to be blunt, if your uncle owns 40 doors and they are these $25K per door duplexes he’s going to know 100 times more than me.

Welcome @Whitney T RedfieldSoCal can be a tough nut to crack for newbies.A couple years ago I mailed out lots of letters to homeowners in LA County with no luck.Then I tried rural Kern County and got a deal from a distressed homeowner in California City.The margins were not as large as they would've been in LA or OC, but I was able to rent it out for 2 years before fixing it up and selling it for a decent gain.Also, have you considered an owner-occupied small multifamily for your first deal?

@Ricardo Cristobal SoCal can be a tough nut to crack for newbies.A couple years ago I mailed out lots of letters to homeowners in LA County with no luck.Then I tried rural Kern County and got a deal from a distressed homeowner in California City.The margins were not as large as they would've been in LA or OC, but I was able to rent it out for 2 years before fixing it up and selling it for a decent gain.Also, have you considered an owner-occupied small multifamily for your first deal?

I don't think age was a key factor for us, but I'm grateful that we shifted our thinking and strategy while we have time to really benefit from the fruits of cash flow and long term appreciation, but I think attitude and financial savvyiness (sp?)

I'd like to pay off my equity note right away, but it's not an urgent need, as long as buyer's payments cover my monthly nut ($250 equity loan, $300 taxes, $75 HOA).This seems like a puzzle to me - all the pieces are on the table, I just can't see how to fit them all together to complete the task.

I'd like to pay off my equity note right away, but it's not an urgent need, as long as buyer's payments cover my monthly nut ($250 equity loan, $300 taxes, $75 HOA).

It's going to take sometime but consistent effort will bear fruit for you.