24 years old in SoCal. Where to begin?!

[Joseph Beazley]

Hello all! I am writing this because I’m having trouble figuring out where to take that first plunge. Very irritating because I wanna jump in so bad! I live in Southern California. Ventura county to be exact. I have about 25,000 - 30,000 to start out with. I’m torn on where to begin. Should I buy a single family home here that can range from 390,000 to 500,000 and way above. Be able to put down a smaller down payment and live in one room and rent out the others? Possibly find a place with a dwelling unit on the property. House hacking method. My area is super popular being minutes from the beach so great location but expensive. Possibly look out to places a few hours away? Given it’s still California so it won’t be much cheaper and not as desirable as where I live now. Out of state investing? I know this is a lot to take in but I am just to eager to just “ start” this journey! Any advice or information is greatly appreciated.