I am a local realtor and investor.

You will have to check your local laws but I am not aware of a requirement to post to the MLS.

Just be sure to check local laws on utility billing in Michigan before implementing anything, because this may not even be an option.

He is our local expert. 

Hello, I am also located in Toronto and have around a decent sized portfolio in Cleveland.

(In case the local government decides they don’t want the mobile homes there any longer.)

Here's some basic copy & paste info that may help you make better investing decisions:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

I want to find something local (Los Angeles area), move in, do small renovations to possibly build up more equity, do a 1031 exchange, and find something better. 

SW is about the only place we can do it so that's where all the R&D is located by the daisy-chain of those trying to evolve the tech to something of viability. 

Start by attending real estate meetups, BiggerPockets forums, and local investor groups to connect with potential partners.