My question is, while my mother is a great agent who thinks she knows what I should do next it helps to have the advice of the experienced, should I go with my current plan or is there a better path I should take on my journey to passive income? 

@Brian Serina  I'm just getting started in my research but maybe @Brendan Morin who is more experienced with the multi-family market in the Springs can comment.  

I have experienced this first hand.  

There are a lot of very experienced wholesalers here on BP so I think you made a great choice to reach out and make a post like this.Happy holidays from Fountain Valley :)

We prefer a "mid-sourced" model, bringing in local expertise where experienced local knowledge is key: for example Property Management, Contractors, Real Estate Agents, etc.

just here to learn and looking to pool investments with other more experienced investors for now.  

all factors to account for....perhaps consider hiring someone experienced to hold your hand.

Not a copy and paste entrepreneur, but one who has shoveled crap for and learned from a more wise and experienced professional.

My main purpose on BiggerPockets is to invest in my first property in the surrounding LA area with the help/resources from experienced investors and agents.

You are experiencing exactly what an investor would expect when buying a mixed Primary residence/investment property.