After an intro call and vision board, intro to strategic lending partner, four physical tours, two offers on two properties (with the second accepted below asking price) a quick inspection with (minor inspection issues resolved by seller), appraisal waiver and below market rate lock..

Columbus is a great market to invest in!

>but quickly realized that trading time for money wasn’t going to be enough if I wanted to create wealth while living in California.I think you are entering a tough market.  2.5 years ago (before interest rates doubled)  it was a much easier market.  

After I close I will still have 30k in immediate cash and I have stock market investments that are another 30k, so even more frustrating that it's not even a monetary issue

Are you in a market where the costs of the necessary capex is cost prohibitive?

How did you find the right market?

@Nithin ThampiBuilding-to-Rent (BTR) communities are newly built neighborhoods designed for rental purposes, offering shared amenities, low maintenance, and attractive properties.

Personally I use Forefront, but its mostly designed for real estate leads.

For flipping you have to be in a viable market that produces such opportunity. 

This is exactly why I've been staying away from markets like LA and focusing on midwest markets.