Even if you create a non-CA LLC, if you are managing the business from California, you will likely be deemed to be "doing business" in California and therefore likely subject to CA taxes.

If a STR has a typical homeowner's policy and just Aircover, and the property burns or a tree falls on the home, it will not be covered at all because it was operating as a business under a homeowner's policy.  

Hi there, I am a new real estate investor, living in Los Angeles, with access to the capital needed to build a real estate business.

I want to automated this process for my business. 

This is a business, like any other business.

Which will bring plenty of other investors and general business to the area.

He owns his own business and writes off a significant amount.

If the average home price is $1M, and you want to get in the business of helping homeowners transact... getting a license seems like a way more obvious path to success than wholesaling. 

After that I made a conscious effort to and connect and meet with as many people in the RE business as I possible and I still find myself in new challenging situations as LTR landlord.

She told me to run the business; not my ego.