But legal description contained phrase "one half of lot [x]..." which is a dead give away that this is not a legal lot under the Subdivision Map Act.  

I get them coming through my new builds and its insane the stuff they call out as not to code and they are dead wrong..

The proceeds from the flips will be re-invested in syndication deals or move back to invest in stock market.

I have a portfolio of dividend stocks. 

That works fine for stocks - which aren't 'needy'... and maybe having a few properties that would be ok.  

Limited appreciation, old housing stock in need of major capex, population decline in many markets...Can you pick a market that's a couple hours away so the price point is lower, but you can be in-person and hands-on?

However, when picking a market it is important to choose one that isn't totally dead in the slow months.

Stock market returns estimated to be much lower next 10 years.

My house is paid off but I’m at a dead end job and would really like to start building more wealth. 

I get it every once in a while but talk about beating a dead horse.