This is how Wall Street brainwashes us to constantly throw money into a 401k instead of investing in income producing real assets.

You have to provide the money to purchase the new property. 

What I am specifically looking for is perhaps a hard money lender that will work with my equity and not so much with my financials or credit history.

Based on my poor customer experience I’m not confident you will get any money back after the 5 day cancellation period.

I tried having real estate agents show the property to prospective tenants (wasn't comfortable giving folks access remotely) but they didn't make much money to they would flake as well.

If you property is in Detroit you setup a landlord account with the water company and any tenant that comes in opens a account in their name and follows them in your case it will be you and then a tax lien on the property they will get their money either way.

Most hard money lenders will offer these products, but not all are created equal.

Lastly, California is very over priced in most cases so keep in mind buying out of state is not hard and can save you a ton of money. 

check with a local attorney there are rules for filing liens of course anyone can file them but that does not mean they were filed legally.. in most states you have to give a PRE lien notice in writing and by certified mail.. you have time limits to file it.. so if they try to cloud your title they are taking a risk of slander of title. not that they have any money to pay if they lose but you can fire back with that if you need to.

Debt allows you to increase the velocity of your money.