There are numerous other factors to consider but I just don't see how it would make good, financial sense.  

One of the beautiful things about Cali is with real estate prices you have alot more room for error.

If you have SOME king of modest marketing budget to start with, a purchased list of known note holders can be a great start... ypu just craft the right message (again, trial end error will bearout which message(s) work best for you) and mail to your list.

Through word of mouth, trial and error, and a ton of effort, we grew that company into a successful home renovation business, rehabbing kitchens, bathrooms, and additions for homeowners.

Even Insurance Agents are typically self-insured for an Errors and Omissions insurance policy, which basically helps protect you from the mistakes you may make with a contract.

I have done quite a bit of research, testing, and trial and error.

Being a contractor for over 20 years and having formal education in construction management (Bachelors and Masters) and being friends with and having hired numerous construction attorneys, i can assure you you will not get a cost plus contract with the government that pays you each week.

Just about everything I did was by trial and error and I definitely have had many errors. 

I have watched my local real estate market closely the past few years, I am on sites like craigslist, zillow, and loopnet numerous times a week seeing what's on the market, what typical rents are, what different types of properties typically sell for. 

I have watched my local real estate market closely the past few years, I am on sites like craigslist, zillow, and loopnet numerous times a week seeing what's on the market, what typical rents are, what different types of properties typically sell for.Over those few years I have seen numerous different properties advertised online in my area for owner financing, so I know there are plenty of property owners/investors that are open to it.