Hoping to connect with active investors in the SoCal market.

I have found that being active on the forums is a great way to network.

Now you will have to talk to a tax professional and a lawyer about how this truly benefits you but it was explained to me as a major benefit.  

(Statement of service if Veteran is still on active duty) 4) DD-1747 (Unavailability of base housing)Entitlement: If a Veteran has remaining entitlement, Veteran can obtain another VA loan while retaining ownership of his or her present original property or with the original VA loan still in effect. 

Something to think about if you don't mind the expense of holding an active license.As far as going directly to the listing agents - while they may push for you don't assume they are all getting "double commissions" as the other poster stated.  

The vast majority of the condo conversions we've done have been largely, seller financed.

It can be a major pain to try to match trim up.Screens can easily be replaced.

Ive done a lot of reading and listening to podcast and finally wanted to introduce myself and take the step of becoming an active member in the community.

An MFR could be a different story.The overwhelming majority of retail buyers just want to move in and put their feet up - not to move in with a project list.Let me know if you want any help marketing it - I have an agent in your area.

And while the normal course is for folks to grow actively and then transition over to passive investments, there's nothing wrong with going the other direction and starting with more passive investments that are opportunistically located geographically.