We consider the BP community to be the most informed in the country, or at least that we have easy access to.We are finding that experienced investors, if they see the investment as risky, they wont invest, and the amount of investment required doesn't increase or decrease their interest.  

All the best in your new endeavours and thank you for what you've given to this country.

Don't let desperation lead you down a path of destruction (fraud, etc.)

I drive through these counties all the time with my other business.Just driving around I can see new subdivisions for luxury large acre home sights going in all over the place in the hill country.

Recently, my father and I have decided to look into real estate investing as an avenue to subsidize our income now that new life events have altered our paths.

Option 1 seems like the clear path toward lowest cost and easiest growth, but just making sure I'm not missing anything.

I've set out a path to buying a multifamily and have been trying to compile a list of mortgage lending options.  

For example your bio says you want to be your own boss instead of working for others,  It may be a faster path doing flips than buy and hold to achieve those goals.  

Are we on the right path, am I missing something?

About the only place I've found something that might potentially cash flow near where I live (the valley, so west of you it sounds like) and would have consistent occupancy (not farm country) is Oxnard.