It's very difficult.

But that makes the sizes of them difficult to make homes, so you remove walls, which makes the engineers cringe......You've probably heard all this before from more reputable and authoritative sources than myself, so I won't be long-winded, and I definitely won't be a naysayer. 

Your plan of investing in 2-4 unit buildings in SD is a great strategy and I applaud you for your "numbers first" perspective (very few of the newer investors I come across figure out this mentality as quickly as you have appeared to).In regard to your question about the best way for someone without a RE license to access the MLS in SD; I think Sandicor's 'Client Connect' site will be your best option.

He has since informed us that it would be too difficult for him to accomplish and that offering him a present would induce him to do what he's already legally obligated to do.The problem is that we already have a seller lined up and this is the only thing holding up the deal. 

Not that I expect to have to use it, I've never had a tenant even come close to me evicting them, but I want to be prepared in case I get someone that is very difficult but manages to not rise to the level of being evicted for just cause.  

But, for my first property, wouldn't it be difficult to find a Private Money Lender? 

A few referrals I have given some of the clients did not have the best experience with the attorney.

You're right, scaling is going to be difficult.

AND you must maintain adequate reserves to take care of the disasters that may happen.Most of my clients fall into the first group above.

If someone comes to me, I'll send them your way.If you need help in your search or want to verify something don't hesitate to ask.For example: I have clients worldwide and things are just as easy as I e-mail them, talking on the phone.