Here are a few ideas to explore that might help you get closer to homeownership in San Diego without selling:Cash-Out Refinance:Refinancing one or both of your El Centro properties could free up additional cash for a down payment without selling.

It never hurts to have an additional set of eyes to look after your property.

So it sounds like me you built additional equity into the home your living in now.

Are there additional steps you take when screening applicants, or do you take fewer steps?

Additionally, there’s always a risk that any pet-related damages could be hidden under furniture or otherwise concealed, potentially leaving us to cover the costs if the security deposit is fully depleted by other expenses (e.g., damages or unpaid rent).

I use all of them:-Brokers-Platforms like LoopNet, Crexi (my favorite), and BiggerPockets Deal Finder-additionally, brokers often have access to off-market opportunitiesWhen dealing with brokers, I've found that you have to build a relationship in order to get a good deal flow.

Additionally I would add a benefit for you is that you're in great area to be able to invest locally and can invest in your own back yard as they say.

If you stick with the larger down payments, you’ll have more stability and less risk, especially if the market shifts, but it will slow down how quickly you can buy additional properties.

On the positive side, it seems like you have a good potential BRRRR that you can use to purchase additional properties.

That conversation could be revealing in and of itself.