@Bonnie Low - it's important to know what services you're paying for.

Location and paying attention to Nathan's points above about the immediate area are more important.

HCV in the area pays $2,200.

That means paying all cash isn’t an option unless you plan to bring another $600k to the table. . 

Example, a short pay history - non-redeeming factor, a 25% down payment, a redeeming factor to counter the short pay history.

Does anyone know of any real estate brokers in California that offers the MLS-only membership as I don't want to pay all the extra fees to be a part of CAR/NAR.

And all the deals I do the exit on a fully rehabbed home that I fund and pay for the rehab etc for my clients. is basically 250 and under .. there is not an issue with affordability in much of the US the issue is buyers preferences.

My profile has my YouTube channel and I have an episode that shows you exactly how to create the comp set and look at amenities that matter, what others are paying for cleaning and how other listings look - that way you can see how to best market your property. 

You can too, without being a wholesaler or an agent.You can walk into a mall to a jewelry store and buy gold, which is simple, but you pay a huge markup.

Likely the cheapest option is to use a HELOC and with the new rent pay off that equity.