Don't look know but the Oracle of Omaha is on the move..with a near $1B Bet on housing. 

If you want stability and fewer headaches, Metairie is usually a safer bet, but the trade-off is thinner returns unless you can add value.If you’d like, I can share some local contacts for insurance, property management, or lending who understand the unique challenges of this market.Hope that helps give you a realistic picture before you dive in.

I ask because you said the previous owner is involved but the previous owner shouldn't be involved at all if its a subject to.If you hold the deed then it's just a normal refinance.

No sure bets right now.I say go where the deal takes you. 

Private lending from family or friends can be the best route especially when they start seeing you have success they’re going to want to get involved

Otherwise, Id sell your CA property as im willing to bet $20 it doesn't cash flow anyways and has a fair amount of your money locked up.

It usually stops the problem fast without getting attorneys involved.7.

Like some folks have said, plenty of lenders operate nationally, so you can live in one state and invest in another with no problem.But, like @Andrew Syrios said, your best bet may be to work with local lenders—that is, lenders that are local to the area you want to invest in.

At this stage, your best bet is to partner with an investor friendly agent. 

Quote from @Ernesto Galindo-Doucette: Real estate investors usually fall into one of two camps: Appreciation-focused – playing the long game, betting on property values to rise over time.