Hey @Jason R. Besanceney I would say there are a few steps you can take. I also live in California and followed these steps to get our first rent by the room house hack.
1. A dollar saved is a a dollar saved. No taxes need to be paid because you already payed them once... Tightening my budget has been life changing to building a strong financial position.
2. A dollar earned depending on your current tax bracket may only be 75 cents! Still great to increase your earning potential but I always think creating a strong base of saving and spending far less than you make will be great especially when you make more!
3. Might need to move your market. I just checked Redfin and man is it stiff there! Maybe the city of Baywood or maybe the Nipomo area might be better. I can see some houses that you may be able to buy in the 750k range and rent out the spare rooms! I am not super familiar with that area but eliminating your housing expense after these first 2 steps will make you an unstoppable force!
4. Appreciate and give yourself some credit. A college graduate with a 10X in savings compared to peers your age and an interest in REI is something to appreciate!
You're on a great path and hope it works out!
