I provide washers and dryers in second-floor apartments or when the space requires a stacked unit.

Weigh what matters more to you now—getting into investing or having your own space.

If you focus on creating great spaces, you'll be able to generate strong returns with less worry.You seem to have a solid foundation—keep leaning into that.

I'd love to connect with others in the medium term rental space as I learn and get my first property.

It was a 1-bedroom apartment with a weird living room space that didn't feel functional. 

Here’s a quick take on each option:Sell and buy in SoCal: This offers simplicity and high appreciation potential, but with all capital tied up, it limits flexibility if the faculty housing waitlist falls through.Keep current home as a rental, downsize in SoCal: This maximizes long-term profit through appreciation of both properties but might feel tight financially and in space.

Purchase price: $250,000 Cash invested: $88,000 Commercial flex space.

I think one of the challenges of the BP MTR forums is that while all real estate is local, it seems that what is working in the MTR space is hyperlocal.

Preapproved ADU plans offer extra space or rental potential.

When people replace their old homes, you can possibly get those fairly inexpensively if they fit your spaces...Best of luck!