We registered our own HoldCo, not super tough to do online.

Not certain that remote work will last into the future for all jobs, employer will need to write a letter saying that status continues for 36 months as many employers have required employees to return to office/lab/...

@Ryan RotzYeah, that's a tough one. 

You don't want to end up working for less than minimum wage by the time this project is completed.I've been in business many years and every once in a while my employees sell a big fat job to a homeowner for $50,000 or $60,000 just for plumbing repairs, electrical work and sometimes a kitchen or bathroom remodel.

Southern California is a tough market but when you push forward, you can get what you want.  

For example Columbus Children's Hospital is expanding so areas like Southern Orchards should be experiencing some good appreciation here soon as it is next to a high value area (German Village) and would be great housing for employees working at the hospital. 

I think without any hands on experience the risk of investing out of state just far outweighs the benefit.. remember has has been stated you'd be competing from a distance with expert local investors which would be tough to do. 

The business cashflows $95k a year and is fully staffed with trained, certified, and loyal employees who want to keep their jobs.

That is a tough price point for you to start with a new broker.

It's tough to get an offer accepted of course, but less so if you'll consider a property that's banged up.