@Alex NgMost likely, income verification will be based on your tax return documents. 

Yes I still paid transfer tax based off of the assed value.

However, the return on an investment in real estate is usually calculated from the perspective of ROI and Cash-on-Cash return, which is based on the cash flow on the deal. 

I have a method that I'm formulating, but it is very data intensive (requiring web-scraping and statistical models), but a "good enough" solution could save me a lot of time.

Based on the criteria you listed, I think our market may be perfect for you.

DSCR loans can also have flexible seasoning, meaning you can cashout refinance quicker based on the new appraised value.

Additionally apps are more accessible and faster because some people’s phones take too long to load web pages and they get impatient.

Owner financing is an alternative, but it involves finding a willing buyer and negotiating terms.

Yes, you will be required to pay income taxes on your withdrawal based on your year-end income vs expenses.  

House hacking is a possible alternative, but given California's high real estate values, investigating other areas may be a good decision.Houston, TX is frequently seen as a favourable alternative for out-of-state real estate investing for various reasons: Diverse Economy, Population Growth, Affordability, Landlord-Friendly Laws, Job Opportunities etcRemember that success in out-of-state investing often involves ongoing communication, local support, and adapting to the unique aspects of the chosen market.Good luck!