It's a great way to build connections, and also join organizations that might help with real estate.

Because cat urine is organic, will there come a day when it will finally go away on its own?

So I got a lot of traffic on my post a few months ago about hitting my goal of 100 rental units.

You should also research the anchor stores to see how they're performing financially and whether there's any news in their press releases that give you concern.If an anchor store closes, that will have a big impact on traffic, which in turn has an impact on your other tenants. 

For those finding this thread - I've started helping organize the Multifamily Investor Nation meetup (mentioned by @Henri Meli above).

This will accelerate your plans and you will meet those people organically instead of awkwardly calling up randos and trying to vet them that way.One of your four might lead to the other three.Check out meetup.com and the Bigger Pockets Events section.

I’ve dedicated this year to organizing our pursuits and finding ways to hand off small tasks to others by subbing out the work on the flips and hiring our first employee.

Too stretched out and traffic felt like NoVA area traffic with a bit more of an aggressive edge.  

Fears of density and traffic concerns.

there are a few lenders in southern CA  HML ers that will do owner occ.however other parts of the story probably preclude it from any organized lender.maybe some private lender would take a shot at it.