Don’t put everything in one deal, with one sponsor, or only one type of property.  

I imagine people who've had 2nd or 3rd houses in hollywood hills are not interested in rebuilding or doing the work.  How do I go about finding those who'd rather just collect the insurance money then sell it off at a...

Hey William, I am a real estate investor and property manager in Las Vegas as well.

@Andreas Mathews admirable, but make sure you do some research so you understand what a PM can make.Starting your own PMC business will require 75-150 doors to make a decent living, depending on gross rents and your fee structre.Working for a SFR PMC as a PM, will require a RE license and you usually get paid a percentage of the gross rents the portfolio of owners/properties you manage generates.

His brother (the squatter) wasn’t going to leave the property without a fight.I showed up to the house with my acquisition guy, and things quickly got hostile.

It's the cash you put in that's your cost for the property. 

Firstly, there is an STL REI happy hour next week that might be a good place for you to meet people.

What other methods should I use to acquire another property? 

I have little confidence in turnkey providers, deals are already hard to come by, if they take another 20% cut before.. much better to buy a property from an owner that is in good condition.

My best advice is to meet your lenders face-to-face at real estate clubs, conferences, or other professional events.