@Bill PlymouthGood points but there is a lot of competition for skilled Realtors—so walk softly and build trust first.

A few months after I got my license my then girlfriend (now wife) and I were able to capitalize on that dream (it was 2008, so we didn't have competition like buyers do now). 

Reach out directly to the seller before they reach out to an agent l, cut out the commission and the competition.

Explore the latest trends in housing within Los Angeles County, and gain a competitive edge when it comes to investing or selling assets.Dropbox access link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ozw98moocotf19d/REPORT%2028%20Dec%202022.pdf?

If not I may just have to start a property management firm and crush the competition.

You can find a good place on the MLS that has a 4-5 bedroom (which has less competition on it), and look for a place that is for rent for awhile, meaning he is motivated to rent, he may put the rental price to high and that is why he is not renting it yet,  but for you it's a perfect opportunity. 

They provide quality job at very competitive price.

Pre-approval can also give you an idea of what price range you can afford and can make you a more competitive buyer in the market.There is typically no time frame for when you must act on a property after getting pre-approved for a loan.

Idea was to secure favorable mortgage before rising rates while also leveraging extremely competitive rental market.What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Seasonally this is a better time to buy and if there's a "Fed pivot" in 2023 interest rates will come down slightly and increase your competition.