Cash for them to leave?

So if I place the highest bid at an auction and they have said yes, you have won, then do I directly go to pay for this deal in all cash?

Best way to stop this in future is to not pay upfront and get signed lien waivers.

I know that California markets are so challenging to invest in for cash flow (which is what I am looking for as a new investor).

DSCRs may have a slighly higher interest rate vs. conventional, but you need to look at whether the income from the property will cover the monthly principal, interest, taxes and insurance and still allow you to cash flow.

If the property needs capital improvements up front, it is important that the amount raised exceeds the budget by 10-15%.

I'm aware this bucks the trend of investing in OH, FL, etc. but I think (and hope) positive cash-flowing deals can be found with the right connections. 

@Brandon Vukelich: I totally agree: STRs provide the cash flow I need, but policy risks and market saturation make me want to diversify.

We are considering taking cash into our business to season for down payments on new properties.

My HELOC lender does not allow electronic payments just checks, but because my contractors generally want straight cash or else electronic payment, I usually cash the checks myself and then send the payments electronically (which is not great from the perspective of my HELOC transaction history, since it looks like I was sending the money to myself only).Please help!