If you are willing to sacrifice part of your life style, you can always consider living one room/unit of the house and rent out the other vacant unit out to lower your monthly mortgage payments!

You can invest in both CA and out of state and experience what works better for you and your lifestyle and goals. 

Any more than this, and I feel that I am paying for their luxury lifestyle before getting returns delivered. 

If you have never done this as a full time business I will throw caution to the wind it is not as easy or as profitable as online forums make it out to be, and if you need money for living this probably is not going to sustain your lifestyle for the first several years. 

If you are looking at multi family investing check out lifestyles unlimited they have a great program

As such, I’ve focused my research on out-of-state opportunities, particularly in the Midwest and other promising markets.In order for me to comfortably leave my W-2 job, I would need to secure no less than $350,000 annually, as that supports the lifestyle we’ve grown accustomed to.

It's a flexible approach, suitable for both single-family homes and multi-unit properties, and can be tailored to fit your lifestyle and financial goals.It's important to research local housing laws and market conditions to ensure a successful house hacking venture.

Now if you want to buy and live there forever or you want a specific location or lifestyle or the amenities, might be something to consider, but not for investment....they're for living.Your best option right now depending on your income, is probably to buy at least 4bed house or 5 bedroom if you can make it work financially and rent bedrooms. 

Each of these neighborhoods offers a unique vibe, but they all have that lively, walkable feel.For a more suburban lifestyle, here are some great options.

Try to figure our what strategy would suite your lifestyle and goals (there's SO many ways to do it!).