The multifamily properties are great if you want to house hack but tend to cost more up front so if you aren't living in them, at least if your investing in most areas of So Cal, you'll need a fairly large downpayment to snatch one of those up.  

Speaking for myself, with my own acquisition and investment strategy, what’s most important to me is the TYPE of leads I generate, not the quantity or motivation level.

Condos are easy in my opinion.I'd say you aren't wrong in your line of thinking at all - Paying cash and getting cash flow right away is extremely less risky and could be the right move depending on your situation and risk tolerance.I think what most of us who commented above are thinking - is that one of the best things about real estate is being able to leverage OPM (other peoples money) and in this case, we are talking about leveraging the bank's money (and yours). 

A lot of newbies aren't aware of this and can get into trouble.

I have clients who I advise to not over invest with me, if they aren't also in other asset classes, particularly after understanding their overall investment goals. 

Keep having BIG goals, and if they don't "scare" you, they aren't big enough!

We aren't removing them or jacking up their rent.What we looked like wasn't relevant. 

While we aren't doing anything wrong I have called them and visited with them multiple times to try and be nice and I even gave them my cell phone number (not the best idea in hindsight).

The disclosures will tell you if the rate/fees are, or aren't, locked.FYI it's illegal for that LO at LD to get paid $1 more, or less, because of your rate, fees, lender credits, etc.

If the traditional STR markets aren't taking this (Foremost & Proper), I would suggest connecting with an independent agent and they can try the following,1)  Try and find a carrier who can pair the high risk property with your Home and Auto policy.   2)  Find a policy with a Lloyds of London type insurance carrier3)  State back insurance - Each state has a Property insurance fund as a resource if the public can not find coverage.