I would be going to local and regional banks and asking what they have in the way of construction loans. 

I am looking for similar like minded people in the Pocono Mountains Region  of Pennsylvania to discuss REI, contractors, strategies and the like. 

So tax as % of gross rent should be relatively high vs. other regions.

Amen Dan, I am one of the biggest wholesalers in the Mid Atlantic region, I try offer deals at or below 65%  ARV less accurate repairs cost.

The question I have for the members of BP is this; what is the average or typical capital requirement for a NEWBIE in the SoCal region?

Look for regional banks like Peoples, Webster which I know are portfolio lenders.  

A local or smaller regional bank may consider it even with a  a low credit score if you are getting a very low loan to value ratio. 

I don't actually deal with them personally but I see it as a regional thing See some on the west coast but not nearly as many as in the bigger cities in the rust belt and mid west and deep south were there are so many distressed assets and clear demarcation of A B C D F neighborhoods.

I am into contracting work and always doing work for other people. I want to be on the other side of things and start investing my time and effort in what can set me up for Freedom. Highly Motivated and Ready to Take ...

Try to network with successful investors in your state or region and this will get a much better chance of success.