I currently work as a Project Controller managing budgets for the company I am employed by but excited to use my savings to pursue real estate in whatever capacity I can.

If you have w2 employment, keep it.

The lender does IMO… Nobody declares bankruptcy if they own properties with cash unless they make dumb mistakes and cross collateralize.The cash investors might loose money but they won’t be bankrupt.Also, only when you build a base of 3-4 properties with cash, and fully understand the true income of your portfolio after consecutive years of performance.

Most of the software I use for deals for myself and my clients use an algorithm that will use statistical amounts for replacement based on current costs.

It will cost approx $4000 to remove the Oak tree based on a professional estimate.

Todays 30 year fixed rate mortgages are an astonishing 7.1% Based off that I am finding a lot of properties that, if at a 3.5% interest rate, would have a great 9% C on C return.

Southern California is a tough market,  however, its doable based on our experience. 

I am a New York based new-ish investor working to expand. 

Taxes are terrible for the self-employed.

I bet in higher end markets where you are based in, it's mostly clients F@$#%ing over the contractors..Yep.