My questions area:Is this a common practice, can someone point me in the direction of lease that would accomplish it.  

In competitive markets finding deals is 99% of the challenge and if you do so finding a partner to jv with you should be easily accomplished (find one in Southern California and I will partner with you and provide all the funds and systems to get it rehabbed and sold.) 

Agree in assessing your three options, # 3 - long term buy and hold is the least risky path and can progress you to accomplish your goals of avoiding stock market speculation. 

I am really excited to get started, and the end goal is to be able to teach other people how to accomplish what I am able to and more.  

Good luck toward accomplishing your 100% goal!

Frankly, I don't know of any great accomplishment of humankind done without such!

Dont forget to check out the podcast for tonnes of great info, and motivation in order for you to accomplish your goals!

With your experience as a property manager you will definitely have a leg up on most when starting out.I can't wait to see what you accomplish, keep us posted!

In regards to real estate and jumping in, there are entry level positions that you could tap into prior to accomplishing your real estate salesperson license. 

I know this can be accomplished because I have done it and continue to do it.