And with that said I've built my own real estate team, source my own deals at deep discounts.  

It wouldn't be smart to just rely on one source.

I paid a point per year and 6% interest.So if I lend out at 2 points one point is gone to my money source... and I will make money on the delta 6% per year... but with tiny loans its such small money you simply cant make it workNow  one nice thing about the market is that conventional  banks have stepped into financing lower value rentals again..

It's normally a pretty worked market from investors.The fact that you have to go to the courthouse actually sounds like an advantage as not as many people will be doing that, but there may be vendors that source the data.Do some bigger pockets searches with respect to probate data and letters, the questions you're certain to run up against in the next few weeks as you try and put it together.As for filing those leads, good luck, lol, it's a bear any way you do it (as I recently discovered).Best of luck,  JTM

What is the main source of employment for the town?

@Jason MaIf you are relying on a realtor and MLS properties as your source for leads in Southern California, you probably are going to have to adjust your expectations.

I put money out for some education, but this is always my main source of information.

Ideal would be for you to plan on moving in as you can get from multiple sources 10% down lending and great interest rates.

It's all about exposure to sources of information.

I'm always open to other sources though.