Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

This analysis will actually help you determine how much cash you need for your first deal which will guide your decision for a well paying facilities job.  

Start by reading the Ultimate Real Estate Investing Guide: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides/ultimate-real-estate-investing-guide/introduction2.

I've had negative experiences with a bad general contractor and a non-paying renter (leading to an eviction), so I'm being extra cautious in selecting the right lender this time.Could anyone recommend a trustworthy lender in the Los Angeles area who can guide me through this difficult time?

They will be able to guide you through setting up financing, creating an investment plan, getting subs set up, and creating an execution plan.A good investor focused Realtor should be able to guide you on what markets you can afford, help you focus on your personal risk tolerance, and find a property that fits your skill set and financial goals.The more educated you are as an investor the better, but the right Realtor is going to unlock a wealth of information that is going to super charge your knowledge of investing, and help expediate your plan. 

Without some type of guided tour through it it may be hard to see what's changed unless you've been on site before you invested. 

This book is your guide. 

Be sure to read through The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing to help you get started.Finally -be sure to setup some keyword alerts - especially for "Las Vegas" so you can jump into local conversations.See you around the forums!

Offer to sit open houses for agents (you can do this through your state Workplace group), attend eXp’s virtual and live training & networking events and of course work with your Mentor who should be able to best guide you.  

It is truly a guide to all things STR 2.