For Livermore, the activity is slower compared to the general Bay Area so you would need to be more cautious on picking the right property to flip, and the margin has to be large enough for it to make sense.

@Joseph Augustus Welcome to Bigger Pockets and I wish you the best in investing journey, one of  the ways is to use Facebook Groups but you need to vet very cautiously . 

Network with wholesalers, check public records, and use platforms like PropStream or DealMachine to find distressed properties.Be Cautious: Pay attention to permits, inspections, and local market trends—over-improving for the area could hurt your profits.Starting with a solid plan and realistic numbers will set you up for success.

Horrible tenants increase cautiousness and interaction with insurance Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

venture cautiously

For the mixed-use building idea, you’re right to be cautious about vacancies as a remote investor.

Be extremely cautious when processing your next applicant, this one seemed doomed from the start.

Tread cautiously.  

@Radhika S.you are right to be cautious. 

I would also caution if you are intending on a vacation rental be very cautious of the individual town restrictions.