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

Your zoning should be ok, but you want to do everything by the book (which can be costly) to percent future insurance claims or injury claims in an unpermitted basement living space. 

It’s taking Seller a while to provide the HVAC report but while time passes after due diligence - Flooring cost is way too expensive at the price point they’re asking for 130K + Care of property never took place till decided to sell so I’m not comfortable any longer - Home sits on corner lot on a slight hill with crawl space - Lots of weather changes has caused the home to settle + improper supports needed. 

Adding rooms does create the potential for more conflict but carefully thought-out floorplans, designate wet and dry storage spaces, and provide supplies.

It's a really high-energy dog and I don't think they take it out often enough, so they play indoors a lot.

The water leaked through a shared wall into their neighbor's space and repairs are being made.

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.

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.