They think they are investing when really all they are doing is parking excess cash with the hope of appreciation since the actual return through rental income is miniscule. 

Hey thanks for the advice I was a little skeptical but it actually worked.

Actually Orlando got hurt worse in Charley than Fort Myers and I have colleagues in Orlando are still without power now (but they do have phone service so I can mock them).But there's two other fundamental dynamics that might bear some consideration.  

Congrats @Ryan Rodriguez , It seems rare to hear about people in L.A actually buying in L.A these days rather than out of state. 

Fred builds a shed that is actually on Jill’s side of the property, covering about ten square feet of earth.

Ask the seller what they want to NET from the sale (the actual amount they want to walk away with in pocket), not what they "want for the house". 

Well actually it is a Double wide on land.

I would get property radar right off the bat though.and remember you have to follow about 25 to 50 homes to buy one.. can't get lazer focused on one as you never know which one will actually go to sale.

Come to find out the lien was actually paid down by the owner (before he died) or the owners nephew (who was collecting rents) to the amount of $694.

I don’t know actually what my goals in real estate are but at the moment I’m looking to get some fix and flip properties, any advice would be great.