I'm not actually interested in investing in California real estate, it's expensive with very low returns relative to other parts of the country.

Had to visit to find out "the rest of the story".

I've been looking at purchasing my first property in Orange County, CA, but I just can't find the justification of purchasing an overpriced home to live in and pay the big mortgage.

How many other places have you visited and what's your impression of those properties?

In CA I believe it is $1000 but it is just a cost of doing business.Note:, if you foreclose, and it sells at the foreclosure auction or no one bids and you take it back at the auction it is not a "short sale".

I am currently waiting for the California BRE to process my application and give me an exam date.

I’m a ‘fix and hold’ investor from the Bay Area in CA, and loving it!

Normally this would entail a repeat visit or a remedy over and above a "service call".

There aren't many properties listed in it for CA. 

You can visit irs.gov and search for EIN or go directly to http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Apply-for-an-Employer-Identification-Number-(EIN)-Online to fill out the form.