I want my current W-2 to be my last job by building a quality portfolio of single family homes in our walkable community that cater to growing families that want access to a good school district and local ammenities. 

If I had to do it over again, I'd buy one high quality home rather than 2 cheaper older ones with problems.

Simply professionalizing operations, tightening underwriting, and reinvesting in the experience can materially change performance without relying on market appreciation.My takeaway has been that the more “business-like” the real estate becomes, the more often operator quality is the differentiator.

I would like to use the method House Hacking for my first real estate investing, is that even possible in Los Angeles?

As others have noted, you first need to back out the land from the $300k based on a fair market value allocation of the lump sum purchase price (some methods include using a tax bill for the land / building ratio - there are others).

We've updated the flooring, painting etc to match the local markets.So, do we just have bad luck or is the quality of tenants in Vegas subpar at these price points based on the local economy?

We own and invest in Toledo, but finding reasonable good quality work for full gut, I would agree with Anthony, the costs don't justify the return.

Don't get me wrong Facebook generates a ton of traffic but normally the quality of tenants that reach out on Facebook aren't what we are looking for. 

I would say only 1/2 would make it thru their quality check for size and color.  

Great question, Domynique — building a system is the right mindset.What I’m seeing work best right now in VA is stacking channels instead of relying on one source:• Driving for Dollars + skip tracing• Probate & inherited leads for true off-market motivation• Agent relationships for pocket listingsTools help, but list quality + follow-up cadence matter more than the platform itself.