So what are some ways to achieve this when you're starting out?

Since I know my local market, I know what type of profit margin could be achieved with rental arbitrage and it got me thinking about it. 

Depending on the hinge locations, cut either the top, bottom or both off of the door to achieve the desired height.

@Bobby Wallace thanks a lot all these ideas will help me focus and achieve my goal.

Secondly, you will need to figure out what your goal is (cashflow, replacing a job's income etc.) and find a vehicle to achieve that.

My plan is to build equity in LA for the next several years while I'm still happily in my career, then start selling off LA assets to pickup cashflowing properties elsewhere in the country.Let's also look at rough numbers:If you bought $230K worth of real estate in OK or some similar market, what kind of cash-on-cash return would be achievable?

Partner with an established wholesaler who can bring funding to the deal; this can be achieved through a Joint Venture (JV).2.

Go in with your goals and see which is the best fit to achieve those!  

Then, see if that fits in with the design you want to achieve with your home.Different jurisdictions have different views towards ADUs.  

He helps a lot of people strategize on how to achieve financial independence and he's also in the Austin market!