I had to find and interview every party( surveys, architects, realtors, etc.).

Things must be billed to the "appropriate" parties so that the spreadsheet doesn't take a hit.

I just heard the "this call is being recorded" when a lead called.An article that also mentions this: While some agents appreciate the service, others find it unsettling - Inman - requires subscription.I am in CA, and I wonder how legal this is with our 2 party consent.

The idea is, at the time the parties agreed on the price, the buyer agreed they had x amount of down payment funds, and needed Y amount of loan to make the purchase. 

I’m in the same boat as you in CA and starting out.

It is not the most efficient but more times than not, you end up getting in contact with the intended party. 

In the same boat currently devouring all the info I can at an impossible rate!

I would also be upset if I was say, throwing a birthday party for my nephew and strangers came knocking on the door unexpectedly wanting to walk through.

That would leave us with around $70k liquid cash.We rent an apartment month-to-month until we find a good duplex to purchase (ideally within 1 year).We house-hack the duplex until we accumulate enough cash to buy a SFH for ourselves (3-5 years).We retain ownership of the duplex and rent out both units.In my mind, this approach could "get the ball rolling", considering we can't afford to buy an investment property with our current circumstances, nor would we be able to for many years.What would you do if you were in the same boat?

They will also charge you to have an inspection by a 3rd party to make sure the work is done.