I've spoken with the local housing authority, but I am noticing some inconsistencies between guidelines and what the people at the authority told me.

We're apprehensive about current rates and the cost in SoCal, but would rather do something local before dipping our toe in long distance investments in other areas of the country where we have lived or have family.

I attend a local REIA, but would really like a Tampa BP meet-up sometime.  

Additionally, I have other local owners that want our company to manage their vacation rental.

And when plumbing services are needed, great, now YOU TOO know a great plumber in the area, and so on.

Way too much liability and risk out there.You can't purchase a residential property in a new LLC in NJ unless you have two years of tax returns on the entity or a relationship with a local bank who will allow it.

I'm considering building a few on a large piece of land near a local college in San Diego.

Recently, I have made the decision to wholeheartedly commit myself to this journey.My current plan is to invest in a multifamily home for house hacking in my local area or perhaps a single-family property with an unattached garage or basement that I can convert into an Additional Dwelling Unit .

Lastly, I would start looking for mentorship (if you truly want to go that route) at your local level, like at your local Real Estate Investor Association (REIA). 

I also used my accumulated experience here to start a remodeling company, where I helped local homeowners with their projects What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?