You need either cash, credit, or access to a lot of deals--preferably all three.

I have a couple buyers right now looking to do the same thing. 

I got wed to a couple pesky tenant in long leases.

Do you preferably do loans with people in the California area or have you worked with investor from Hawaii too?

I prefer to purchase in the fall...deals are a little hard to find in the summer...people are moving, changing schools etc....hard to find motivated sellers.  

Speak with a couple of local agents and ask them to run some comps for you.

My only fear/ biggest question is where to find a couple good carpenters?

I have a couple of weeks to sort that out.

If so, you might shop at at a couple local / regional banks to see if they can do better.

It has been listed for a couple of months now and not selling and here is what I know:It was purchased in 4 or 5 months ago as a short sale for 150kThe owner put mayyybe 15K into fixing a few things like electric, the porch, etc.