We’re here in Orange County California and have never purchased property before.  

I live in southern Alabama near Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area.

@Jay Patel @Brandon Reed its great to see some more Lake and NW Orange Co investors! 

This is not to say networking with the right people isn't fruitful, but I personally like to be in control of all my deals. 

I'm a new investor in Cincinnati, Ohio and will be in Orange County, California mid-August for about a week or so.

Here is what you need to keep in mind:Interest is not deductible - this is apples to oranges comparison. 

I have been on BP for a few years now and started with LTR in AL and UT. 1031 exchanged UT property into 4 Smoky Mountain Vacation Rental Cabins THANKS to @Avery Carl  which has now allowed my family to move back to East TN from Orange County CA and couldn't be happier. 

Not only the equation, but programming that equation into the system so it adjusts the starting temperature according to the current gas and electric rates.)Before doing any of that, I'd make sure the low-hanging fruit has already been picked- LED lighting, water-efficient fixtures(sinks, toilets, shower heads,) possibly spray-foam insulation to reduce drafts, to name a few.MG

I would suggest going to the local Meetups in Orange County and networking there.

Everybody works in LA and Orange County, but nobody can afford to live there.