Focus on connecting with investors, flippers, and landlords who are actively buying.

Since Joe is not a registered lender, Joe is not held to the same standards as a lender and the sale could be a wreckless and poor activity by the bank putting Bob in that situation.

One key tip as you begin is to connect with local investors who are active in the markets you're considering.

Talk to your tax advisor about how to release your passive activity losses based on your situation.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

I would do this first before engaging an agent unless you are extremely active.

Active?

I am long but I also do fix and flips actively and consistently.

The process is very involved as you'll have to navigate pre-construction activities that involve architectural plans and approval from the city and then the construction activities (Shovel to soil) take anywhere from 5-9 months depending on how much your building. 

What actions and/or credentials make a landlord an active property manager to deem rental income/loss active in CA?

That way you know they are active in the BP community!