Seth,
Let me encourage you to find someone local to your area to be a mentor. I don't know where you are in California, but there is high likelihood you will find an EAA chapter nearby. There were not active builders in my area of LA (Lower Alabama) when I started 10 years ago and I struggled mightily. There are now a couple of people within 50 miles of here who are building and I've chosen to take a class from Synergy Air South (there's also one in Oregon). That class gave me and my son the push we needed.
I look forward to reading of your progress!
Best of luck!
Mike