I studied and UCLA Extension for nine months, and passed the exam on the first try. 

@Timothy Lon, folks differ on this, but if you have a good income and can weather the storms, you want to use leverage extensively at a young age.  

He was featured on a BP Podcast and more than likely he has an extensive network in southern CA that can analyze your situation and probably help you out.Look up Tim Gordon form show 67 in the podcasts here:https://www.biggerpockets.com/bpp67-tim-gordon-podcast-transcript-direct-mail-successful-wholesaler

I have sold a few properties via auction.Yes you want to have a title company conduct an extensive title search on any property you are buying no matter the acquisition strategy.

I have extensive experience at this over the last 20 years.if you can make a business out of this then yes IE you have million in cash to deploy but to do one off your raking inordinate risk Go to Rarebird meetings here in PDX this a great group of folks..

The forums have many amazing individuals with extensive experience in a variety of areas and I certainly look forward to connecting with the community. 

I would say that the way to get your foot in the door is to do extensive research.

My guess is that the realtors you have spoken to have gone down that road with clients in the past only to be unsuccessful after an extensive amount of work.

Remodel ended-up being more extensive than I estimated which cuts into my overall profit, but it's still going to be a good cash flow property for me.  

When that happens, "classified ad sites" are going to get further disrupted, in my opinion.Also, I agree that many of the sites are not doing adequate due diligence, and have written extensively on this.