In hopes of financial freedom and a self controlled lifestyle I have decided to focus on REI as my main business venture.

You'll have the MLS access and full control in the  execution of your plan.  

Open space may not work well due to control over the individual tenants.

This is the question that I feel many are downplaying by simply sighting that rates are low in an absolute sense within a historical context rather than looking at the relative value and risk of all other alternates of today, which is historically unprecedented.Personally, I'm concerned for those that seem to think they have total and 100% control over their total returns in REI, or anything else for that matter, regardless of what the market does ... while I do try to isolate what I do know and have control over from what I don't and focus on the part that I do, having been through the last downturn I try to maintain a bit more humility and margin for error around the vast portion that I don't.

Stay in control of those things you are responsible for.  

Has anyone had experience with pest control companies you would highly recommend in Long Beach CA area.

You are therefore in no position to judge if it is a good place to invest or not, nor are you in a position to assess or manage the risks, or control your investment there.

we will become just like Japan  Singapore and other countries that have to import labor.. but I suppose in a more controlled manner.. welcome in the out of country labor just document them and do keep the criminals out.. there is a seedy side to all this as you know.

That way, you give yourself full control over your destiny

There may be local rent control laws which add additional requirements.