I am not sure how that works for EU citizens--I have been learning about the Portugal option from US citizens who have achieved FIRE (financial independence retire early).

You need to evaluate the deals independently.

Goals:Buy a house hack and live in the property for 1-2 years.Continue renting out the property after 1-2 years and purchase another house hack, ideally graduating to multi-family.Turn house hacks into cash flowing rentals.Become financially independent, so I have the freedom to take some time off and travel.Would love to get to know people with similar interests, are currently house hacking and know about the Los Angeles market!

She did an amazing job of presenting an overview of what it takes to be successful with any aspect of the business.A year is a tough timeline to achieve financial independence, but then again, you didn't say your current financial position- income, expenses, current passive income, current investments, etc.

Chances are the things that are mentioned as a result of an inspection could be things that should have been done properly in the first place, but you can always check with an independent contractor- not the one who completed the work in the first place and get them to sign off on the work.

We are fortunate to have saved up quite a bit of liquid cash that we are prepared to start growing into financial independence. 

I'm hoping to be able to invest in multifamily properties in the future to achieve financial independence. 

You could set up a self-directed IRA for your wife and do the flip with the IRA, however there are number of implications you need to be aware of:- You personally can't do any work, all work must be outsourced to independent third parties- If you need to finance the purchase and rehab: loan must be non-recourse - Income from the flip might be subject to UBIT tax as it would be considered an active trade or business 

I would like to change my circumstances and become financially independent.

You could find individuals like me near you, that you trust completely, who write property/home estimates (independent adjusters & contractors), and will help you out if you pay them.