I mainly want to help investors find property, whether it's buy and hold or potential flips. 

Is this strategy mainly for a down market?

Mainly because you could, in theory, save a lot of money by getting a DIY property if you are local.

My main question that I'm hoping to get some advice on is if it would be smarter to use the money we've saved up to purchase a primary residence here in Los Angeles so we're no longer throwing money away on rent, or if we should use that money to invest in a rental property, either locally or some place like Atlanta, where I'm familiar with the market and is definitely more affordable.We're trying to educated ourselves and gain as much advice as possible before making any serious decisions.Thanks in advance for any advice!

Mainly acquaintances.

Then I would cover living room with new area rug, leaving tag on, put a great new doormat in outside and inside, add a runner in the main hall and a matching in one in the kitchen...give them some Casters for under furniture in bedrooms...

I've noticed that in other threads the main benefit is access to the MLS.

I am interested mainly in single-family homes at this time, flipping, wholesaling, or buy-and-hold strategies.  

To be more successful, you simply have to work on the other elements to progress your REI pursuit.

To be more successful, you simply have to work on the other elements to progress your REI pursuit.