., $300 for paint and supplies) and add a fair hourly rate for labor.

The power company supplied and installed the new meters (at no charge, at least not yet) and verified all the work around the 4 gang meter pan was done up to their standards.

IMO, the best strategy for that type of individual is to purchase residential property in an area they are or can become familiar with; in an area where the neighborhood is “on the rise”, typically where demand exceeds supply and people are spending $$$ on fixing up properties.  

Limited labor and resources : Unlike the catastrophic fires in Lahaina Hawaii there are significant resources in Los Angeles to contribute to recover, but quality contractors, tradesman, plumbers, electricians and laborers have long been in short supply.

Mailchimp also I believe is free up to a specific number 

If you find someone that will let you supply the materials and work for labor only and sign a contract you supplied , you have hired an employee , a laborer , not a contractor .

The reason we supply a couple packs is to avoid the cheap knockoffs. 

The country simply does not have enough affordable housing units, and the new supply of affordable housing units is not keeping up with new demand.

Have you sent your material list to a supply house to be quoted, have you arrived at a quote with your subs?

I have a 10x8 shed that I use exclusively to store real estate materials and supplies.