Start by reading the Ultimate Real Estate Investing Guide: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides/ultimate-real-estate-investing-guide/introduction2.

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

This analysis will actually help you determine how much cash you need for your first deal which will guide your decision for a well paying facilities job.  

I've had negative experiences with a bad general contractor and a non-paying renter (leading to an eviction), so I'm being extra cautious in selecting the right lender this time.Could anyone recommend a trustworthy lender in the Los Angeles area who can guide me through this difficult time?

Start by reading the Ultimate Real Estate Investing Guide: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides/ultimate-real-estate-investing-guide/introduction2.

Without some type of guided tour through it it may be hard to see what's changed unless you've been on site before you invested. 

Be sure to read through The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing to help you get started.Finally -be sure to setup some keyword alerts - especially for "Las Vegas" so you can jump into local conversations.See you around the forums!

This book is your guide. 

It is truly a guide to all things STR 2.

Here’s a brief guide to your questions:For getting a mortgage without two years of income proof, you could explore non-QM loans, asset-based loans, or consider using a co-signer.