Excellent advice @Brian Adams, I get two separate lists, one from a list broker such as a Co-star or something similar, and then the other from the county.  

We are getting excellent returns on single families 3-4 bdrm 1-2 bath.

You will need to connect with a CPA slash experienced investor slash 4plex househacker like Allec Logan, he recently purchased and househacked a few months ago in Santa Clarita, he also has a free excel in the fileplace to help you make quick decisions if the house qualifies for FHA self-sustained (not sure if that's the right term), should you choose that route.

Excellence is a mind set.

In which case he is excellent for your goals. :)

A friend of mine is a software developer and is offering to create a CRM system for me to get rid of my primitive DIY excel version.

You will get excellent advice from the giants. 

This is excellent for networking and will give you an idea if what you are wanting to do is realistic or what steps need to be taken to reach your goals.

Hello,My name is Paul La Casse, and I'm currently seeking out the knowledge required to excel in Real Estate investing.

I found the reviews on support range from excellent to practically non-existent.