Make sure it's California approved and you know what you are doing.

Get pre-approved with a lender to make that purchase - but what you are really looking for is someone who will do seller-financing or a lease-option.You can reach out to them via direct mail, or you can do a "skip trace" on the list to get their phone and email address.

In terms of starting, first thing would be getting your finances in order, talk with some local lenders and get pre-approved for a loan.

Local lenders can be key when trying to get the deal done vs just getting pre-approved.

I was working very closely with a regional bank who pre-approved me as an out of state investor prior to writing any offers, but they backed out due to an "internal policy change" two weeks after getting the property under contract.

I am pre approved for a loan.

Pre-approval letter; knows specifically what they are looking for (neighborhood, price, br/ba).

I live in unincorporated Clackamas County (Near Happy Valley) and am in the final stages of approval for an 8 lot subdivision zoned R8.5. 

You will have to be approved to carry two mortgages as well from a lender if you will be doing this the traditional financing way.

To approve, clean, handle issues or even fix the tv remote.