>but quickly realized that trading time for money wasn’t going to be enough if I wanted to create wealth while living in California.I think you are entering a tough market.  2.5 years ago (before interest rates doubled)  it was a much easier market.  

Albany also has a five-year unemployment rate of 9.7 percent, more than double the 4.1 percent U.S. unemployment rate during that same time."

I have return that has virtually doubled my investment in just 2.5 years.  

And double check any work done.

Also double/triple verify the conditions in which they can or cannot be replaced - in case of fire, destruction, etc.

(Don't forget to split the 20% to 25% K shows by 50%)His minimum expectations are:20% Annual Net ROI Per Property Per Year8-12% Cash on Cash ROI Per Property Per YearAverage Value of Properties $150,000.00Average Down Payment on Properties $30,000-$60,000 (range between cash flow markets and growth markets)Coordination Fee Per Property of $2,000-$5,000SWAN Account Formation of $10,000 For The First Property and $5,000 Per Property After That (Sleep Well At Night Account)Minimum Duplication of Portfolio: Double Your Portfolio Size Every 5 Years

Just earn and save until you do.You are in a rush to own double debt, and that's not a wise decision.

Just double check those terms carefully. 

I can see both sides of the story, but I dont want to do anything that would put my investment in jeopardy.

I would double my initial investment even after capital gains taxes.