Do not cut any corners to make a deal look better on paper but not in reality.Track all of your income and expenses that you are responsible for and review them regularly (in report form) with people that can help you possibly reduce your expenses and increase your income.  

There's plenty of homes that are worth LESS than the identically-sized vacant lots next to them.

So there's two  question I have with this scenario:1) Since I'm max out on my employer 401K contribution, can I still make contribution in the amount of $1000 after tax money out of my regular checking account to the Roth IRA account to fund my wholesale deal? 

For $250 I would probably do it myself or have one my regular contractors do it.  

The house is currently occupied with tenants which I am using to start with 60 days to close since that is the notice period for California and I'm tacking on an additional 15 days....I'm getting the property under contract soon. a) Is it legal in California to fill out a purchase agreement with the seller with the intention of using an agent to find a buyer and b) Can I use a closing process identical to a typical simultaneous or double wholesale close?

Trance all of the income and expenses you are responsible for in report form and review that regularly with other people you trust and could help you reduce your expenses and possibly increase your income. 

I do follow up regularly. 

But have a regular evening schedule to help yourself and your contractors who know and understand your goals.There are a few things for you to do after you select your niche and market area and before you start making offers.  

He quit his regular job about 2 years after he started.You may have allready been in contact with him.  

Once these are complete we'll be moving full speed ahead on the regular repairs.