My credit score is over 780 so I feel a 3% down conventional would be ideal, and within one to two years, have the HELOC on my condo (when I mention HELOC, it's the one on my condo)paid off and actually put down 20%-30% for an actual rental property.More experienced real estate moguls, what would you do to speed things along so I could buy another property sooner rather than later? 

I live in California, and I am currently experiencing that is freaking me out.

I live in California, and I am currently experiencing something that is freaking me out.

I live in California, and I am currently experiencing something that is freaking me out.

Larger deals are more asset based but experience becomes a factor so you will need an experienced operator on the GP side and or as a KP.A commercial loan under or near 1M is considered a small commercial loan, and I may struggle to find a loan provider.Smaller local and regional banks are great for these loans but they will be looking to you for qualification and person guaranty.

Has anyone experienced this before?

Big problems in houses can actually translate to big potential for the more experienced, but don't be afraid to take an "OK" deal that you know you can handle, build the confidence, and take on a bigger project on #2.

If you haven't done any deals before team up with a more experienced partner and show the investors their deals.

I don't know that it will change my eventual decision on avoiding SoCal, but definitely will keep an open mind to the advice of experienced folks like yourself.  

That was a ton of really good information for beginners and experienced.