But the simplest test is going to be to turn on the water and see where it starts gushing.

I want to start taking steps to make that a reality.

You would need to ask contractors.You buy something already built and renovate, you get tenants in and start making money that much sooner.

Prices and rents continue to increase steadily.Sales - $/SqFt by Month(Click to enlarge.)The median sales $/SF was up 9% YoY and 6.7% YTD.Rentals - $/SqFt by MonthRents rose 4.3% YoY and 6% YTD.The Market Remains HotFollowing the rapid inventory decline starting in Q1, the number of days on the market for sales remained below 17 and for rentals below 19, indicating strong demand for both.Sales - List to Contract Days by MonthRentals - List to Contract Days by MonthRental trends tend to follow sales.

Realtors, investors, future investors, lenders, wholesalers etc...I want to start investing eventually, it'll be easier with a team.

Direct lenders are:KiaviConventusLima oneLoan one Iron BridgeSeattle funding this will get you started. 

I started with a $20K reserve.

There are dozens of due diligences that have to be looked at on getting to a real starting number. 

I'm just starting out and thinking of investing in the central valley as I travel there often (primarily Fresno/Bakersfield).

It is worth having the conversation with them on the front end once you start talking with lenders.