My last option here is I could move out at lease expiry and get an apartment by myself until I could find a 2-4 unit place, but I feel like that's a bit of a gambling option.To re-cap, my plan is:1) Search for a duplex/triplex/fourplex and hopefully find something before March 1st2) If no clear path/deal in place by March 1st, continue to search for duplex/triplex/fourplex as well as a single family house3) Worst case scenario I could get a 1 bedroom apartment by myself (I really don't want to do this and want to start my real estate journey).I'd like to hear some feedback regarding how financially sound this would be and what factors I should consider when going this route.

If you are not able to run your own numbers, you are gambling not investing.

keep in mind most investor on BP of course like to regurgitate this mantra" I am a cash flow investor  Appreciation is gambling "  LOL  not sure who coined that term but it sure is prevalent on this site. the stuff I am funding for others rents are more in the 700 to 900 range.. from what I can see..  

https://www.wdrb.com/in-depth/...

A good realtor has the tools and knowledge to pull data from local markets within specific geographical limits and rental characteristics to give you a very close number for the average rent you could expect.

Now I had just had a newborn at the time and quitting and betting it all on that career path was not something I wanted to gamble on my family's financial future.

And the reason why is simple:"Where imposture, ignorance, and brutal cupidity, are the stock in trade of a small body of men, and one is described by these characteristics, all his fellows will recognise something belonging to themselves, and each will have a misgiving that the portrait is his own."

Frankly, I see everyone who owns a rental in California just gambling with their future.

Buying and rehabbing used homes can be a gamble - I've placed some that cost as little as $10 - 14k for buying, relocating, rehabbing, renting, etc.

So it's a bit of a gamble in my opinion as opposed to hard money loan,  and you better make sure you have extra good deal.