Why would you leave an income source that can further investments, fun, etc.

There was an additional 20k fee for them to source you properties that would fit their model.

Most real estate sites that try to dip into new ways of sourcing information fail.

AirBnB has been a really good source of quality leads.

Anyone with more than a single property may be interested in adding another and represent a cash buyer.Bandit SignsBandit sign campaigns is run in almost every neighborhood, and many people don’t realize that they are a great source for finding cash buyers.

Any special lenders that you were using that accept foreign nationals?

According to those sources, it is not a southern CA specific issue.  

Does this mean they're technically violating lending rules/regulations by not informing the lender that the property will be sourced as a rent-by-the-room asset? 

I would be leery investing in a cash negative property with the only profit source being appreciation.Good luck

I’ve sourced a few off market properties that are closer to $400-$500.