@Tracey Artist First, develop a relationship with at least one contractor, whose recommendations, quality of work, and ethics you have vetted. 

I have talked to another investor in this area that had success with selling a similar unit to an investor at a reduced price with a quality tenant which may be another exit strategy.  

I've tried this method several times and have only landed funding from close friends and family who know and trust me.

Thank you for any advice and strategy or method. 

Also, I communicate w/some other investors who've had decent success w/debt (home loans) via various platforms the past 3-4 years and a few have noted an uptick in delinquencies and/or defaults the past 3-6 months depending on the platform and a decline in the quality & qty of the offerings in general (higher LTV, slightly lower rates, etc).

It's possible, but slower than some other methods.

I use several methods to find properties.

3) Can anyone refer a quality contractor in San Diego with experience dealing with the 203K process? 

Just the method of execution, but as others have pointed out, you might be able to make it work the way you want if you can quickly get the loan out of the borrower's name and into your name.

My goal is to utilize real estate investing for passive income streams and to begin working for myself as opposed to others, while providing a high quality of life for myself and future family.I am currently interested in networking, and finding both single family & multifamily buy/hold, & fix/flip opportunities throughout Arizona.