My goal is to build up enough cash flow to cover the gap between the time I decide to hang it up until I can access my retirement funds.

I have no doubt you will do well in life no matter what you decide to do.

I decided to take my business out of state and have been able to grow it much faster out of state with amazing cash flow. 

Save really nice repairs for the day you decide to sell the property.

(If you decide not to do it yourself.)

I've been an investor now for 3 years but just decided to get more involved with the bigger pockets network!

Looking at those factors, I felt more comfortable leaving my cash in the stock market- growing it slowly until i found a deal that would cash flow better.I finally decided to look out of state.

@Zane Gifford No, it would have needed major renovation so we decided to pass because it didn't fit our plan.

I decided to pursue wholesaling first so that I can learn as much as I can about real estate and then gradually progress into flipping and acquiring rental properties.Any advice for a new LA investor?

The IRA gives you 16k for an option to own 20% of the equity at a future date. 5 years goes by and you decide to sell.