Should I sell my rental property to buy my own home?

[Keith Gilbey]

I live in the suburbs of Los Angeles where all properties are super expensive, basic 2 + 2 single family residences sell for $500K ++ (that aren't in ghetto areas).  I choose to rent a room in a house as it's a frugal way to live in this area.  That house is going away and I need to decide which option is best for me, I can rent an apartment for $2200-2600 a month or rent a house with a friend for about $2000 a month each, I'd love to house hack a duplex but there are very few available and they are crazy priced.  The other option is to buy a modest 2 + 2 house for about $500K and rent out one bedroom, the stumbling block being the 20% down payment of $100K.

I also own an investment property in Ohio which I've had for about 18 months which after mortgage, tax, insurance, maintenance etc. brings me in a tidy $500 a month.  I bought it for $139K, it's worth around $155K and I owe $98K on the mortgage.  So I'm looking for opinions from more experienced people - Should I sell my Ohio investment property and use the money to buy one here in (way more expensive) SoCal to house hack, even though I'd still be paying half the monthly cost.  I could then start investing again after.

Thanks for your thoughts.