Quote from @Rod Segovia: Hi there, I am looking to invest in a 4plex, but I am short in cash to complete the down payment of 20% for a dscr loan, any suggestion on how can I get the remaining cash? 

By the way, the oceanfront condo market is down about 11% year over year, so there are some pretty good deals to be had at the moment. 

I'm thinking of working with a partner and starting a few small flips on properties with smaller investment costs in states outside of California, but I'm struggling to come up with some of the solutions to some of the obvious questions like: - How to carefully monitor the quality and quantity of the contractor and sub-contractor's work without frequently visiting the site in-person multiple times a week?

It's probable the agent also has buyers, but so does almost every agent.The problem is conflict of interest if the same person is agent for you and your buyer. 

Tri-cities is one of the hottest markets in the state, if not the country.

Most insurers are going to either have actual cash value or replacement value; the latter is more expensive.  

If you've lived in the property for two out of the five years prior to selling, you would be able to take advantage of the primary residence exclusion (121 Exclusion), which allows you to take the first $250k ($500k if married) of the gain tax-free.

That's the base-line.2.

@Brad McCoy, try posing in the HUD, VA, and Tax Sales area of the forums.

You have the most to lose now since you'd be out all of your investment if the FC goes ahead.