These actually pay quite well in most instances.

I've been researching the Utah county market pretty extensively over the last several months, and although I'm not the best person to ask, I would be more than willing to share any info I have with ya! 

For instance,...

(My situation: great financials, but live in apartment due to extensive travel)Bottom line, lender is telling me I won't be able toFinance any investments.

All data pertinent to sound underwriting procedures (date employment will begin, earnings, and so on) must be included, ora statement from the servicemember that he/she intends to reenlist or extend his/her period of active duty to a date beyond the 12 month period, plusa statement from the servicemember’s commanding officer confirming that: 1) the servicemember is eligible to reenlist or extend his/her active duty as indicated, and2) the commanding officer has no reason to believe that such reenlistment or extension of active duty will not be granted, or documentation of other unusually strong positive underwriting factors, such as: 1) a downpayment of at least 10 percent, 2) significant cash reserves, and3) clear evidence of strong ties to the community coupled with a nonmilitary spouse’s income so high that only minimal income from the active duty servicemember is needed to qualify.

For instance, landlords should perform background/credit/criminal checks on all prospective tenants.  

The lender we were going to go with made a mess of things and we were not able to get an approval by the purchase date, received an extension if we used the sellers lender, they were not able to get things done in time either.  

I have done extensive research and 100% of foreclosures are on properties  with a mortgage. 

Since your land to be disturbed is less than 0.5 acres, I don't think that the project need an extensive permit such as new construction or development, and maybe you can be just fine with a waiver... but obviously check this info for your area.  

What about another market close to San Diego but still in California, like for instance, Los Angeles or Anaheim?