My few tips are to find local investor groups and rub shoulders to find out what's working.- Advice is 100% correct: at one point in time, for one zip for one deal type for one investor personality.  

There is a property that I've been driving by for a few weeks and noticing that it is vacant as the grass is reaching shoulder length.I went to the neighbors and nobody ever answers.

It's nice to have a shoulder to lean on. 

It's incredibly stressful to have the weight of other people's expectations and needs on your shoulders if you don't actually know what you're doing.

Therefore a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.  

There are too many people chasing too few listings in the hot West LA market.If you look at your watch, you missed the low hanging fruit in 2010 - 2011Consequently, most of the deals are going to cash heavy investors and those who see a value-add opportunity and know how to exploit it (scape and rebuild bigger, add rooms, build up, redesign, aggregate property, etc.).Suggest you go to the Los Angeles and Asian REIA that meets monthly in Arcadis and rub shoulders with players.

You can buy a list of properties usually and you may find a regular who would be willing to let you look over his shoulder.

I bet that's a weight off your shoulders now that's finished.  

Talk to anyone that's become financially free and they'll tell you it lifts many burdens off their shoulder, not just one.Pay off all debt. 

Use skills you already have so they don't have to look over your shoulder at all. without a doubt your first step should be a brainstorm session on your Why and goals.