We are currently working with our lawyers to take next steps and get our money back along with damages due to wasted time and investments we missed out on along with other people who they have done this too.

I've been sending people to a Realtor/property manager in Sacramento.

Also, I’ll be in the area for the next two weeks and would love to connect with people in person.

I still think that the appreciation question boils down to the "Do people with options want to live here?"

When I need something done fast, I can count on them to squeeze me in.Keep in mind that if you need the cheapest option for your deal to pencil, you probably should not be buying that deal. 

People have been dropped by insurance companies in wildfire areas and had to scramble to try to find insurance - some using California Fair Plan. 

You can also usually count on rents increasing enough in around 5 years, so that you do cashflow.Of course you have to watch out for over-leveraging and going bust!

Keeping in touch with people in the field might help you keep updated and perhaps lead to profitable collaborations.By thoroughly researching, budgeting wisely, and managing your projects carefully, you can successfully flip houses even in a new state.

And there are people that do that out there.  

One solution I see some people do is to partner with another investor on a couple of deals where each brings something to the table...more capital, experience, etc.