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?

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!

Our clients are very active in buying pre-foreclosures.

Calling the appraiser to see what you can do to push it up a "C-Level" would be smart before doing any reno also, might only need a few things to make it far more valuable in the eyes of the bank.I've heard of a tactic for figuring out demand, which is to put up a dummy or coming soon listing on facebook marketplace and see the amount of activity you get on it. 

@Grayson Chao look up WAREI on Facebook as that is a big active group of local investors and a number of meetups get advertised there.