Life is too short to waste time choosing the wrong partner.

That is a solid area and rents can be pushed to $800.

Yes, the BP community has given me a warm welcome with a plethora of valuable responses that I'm hoping I don't let go to waste :)I'm certainly not opposed to investing in a CA market, specifically the greater LA area given I've spent my whole life here, however, as you stated, the prices are a bit crazy right now, and I'm looking for greater COC returns which aren't readily attainable in most CA markets.

Now that I'm looking at moving and I have a solid career I am looking at what my long term options are and how to move use that first deal as a springboard for some long term success.I'm employed with a general contractor and love the construction industry so the idea of buying and flipping or BRRRR seem like natural options to consider.

Just be sure to build a solid Core Four network out there.

We're definitely going to use some financing but have a solid down payment available.

If anyone has advice for the AZ market or best ways to find solid pocket deals for fixers that are in good locations in the AZ market, please let me know.

Stop wasting your time casing a 2nd mtg/ HELOC over 85% CLTV. 

HELP: not sure if it’s a waste of time, or should I focus on condos, what other numbers should I consider when looking at potential deals (I check PITI to be lower or equal the rent), what I need to know about the market I’m in?

@John Varner First, if those numbers are accurate, that's a solid looking deal - congratulations.