That said, simple rehab projects if done full time and correctly should expect to have about a week per $10,000 of budget plus an additional week or 2 for clean up, market ready items, misc.

Also don't fall for the I do it in volume pitch... that is not real.. all contractors have contractor prices at the home depo myself included.. you get some discount but nothing over the top that allows a 25k rehab to be 15k  etc.

Hope that helps.Couple other things you'll want to think about too if you haven't already-- owning real property in another state will very likely subject you to income tax in that state such that you will also need to file a Kansas income tax return each year in addition to California.

However, in CA with the annual franchise tax of $800, additional LLCs are relatively expensive.

My other option would be to buy a 2 or 3 bedroom single family and rent the additional bedrooms.

If you "jack" the rent up (even if you find a tenant willing to pay it), typically the appraiser will not give credit for additional value above and beyond what market rents would determine.

Sure people get notices but they get calls, door knockers and agents in addition to direct mail by the truck loads especially if there is equity. 

In addition to needing a pre-qual, I want to familiarize myself with a hard money lenders' requirements and processes, so I can jump when I need to, now or in the future.Does anyone have any recommendations?

We ended up backing out of the deal cause the additional cost to the deal at that time.  

In addition, you might look at this thread if you are still considering investing there as a counter perspective to what has been posted.Obviously you can make up your own mind.