Any suggestions whether it's worth it to go with traditional big law attorneys or do something alternative?

Orange County offers a plethora of chances for house hacking, including multi-unit houses and rental revenue potential.If you can put down $100,000, investing out of state may be a good alternative.

There are lenders that will allow group usages but I’d imagine most are residential and can be financed with a DSCR or other alternative income verification such as bank statements  or an updated P&L.

Definitely take advantage of it the first time, but align your strategy to look for an alternative when you are looking for your third property.  

Alternatively, can you purchase a new primary residence with a VA loan and use your current one as a rental? 

Check in with @Joseph Chiofalo for alternatives if the loan amount is above $75-100k.

If certain requirements are met, this is possible with as little as 3.5-5% down for full income verification borrowers and 10% down for alternative income verification. 

BTW, Ai is about to replace all real estates agents in the next 5 years, seek an alternative as fast as you can.

. - I totally agree with you on the location piece and that makes this tough.This isn't just about cash flow but a seemingly unique and great oppty for taking $500k of tax free Sec121 dollars off the table.Curious if you see the the alternative strategy to be : - to hold the SFH long enough for appreciation + CF to cover the $500k + taxes on those capital gains if selling?

They can use alternative rent models (STR, MTR, rent by room, etc) to increase cash flow.