I understand that at my age, focusing on properties with strong equity growth potential (even if cash flow isn't immediate) is a solid strategy.

Second link is a similar size, albeit 10 year older home, in Setagaya Ward (a very desirable neighborhood), but still "only $1.2M. https://www.homes.co.jp/kodate...https://www.homes.co.jp/kodate...(2) Age. 

Directly withdrawing funds from a Traditional IRA before the age of 59½ typically results in taxes and penalties.However, one option to consider is using a self-directed IRA.

I have a certain ratio per100 headcount (not households, not age, not sex) I use when decidingto buy or build in a town.

I feel like in today’s day in age there are so many tools for STR operations and I cannot believe there is no integration for a merchant of sale transaction or some kind of financial app/ software that can take the remitted taxes and pay them to the government automatically.

@Leeling Chew we require anyone over the age of 18 to fill out an application for the property even if they plan to just be an occupant. 

One downside of MF can be the age, and insurance can be a big issue.

To give you something as a reference based on your budget (30-40% down with $1.8M), the general cap rates you will see in the Bay Area are roughly 3-5% https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/1047-Rich-Ave-Mountain-View-...https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/1180-Saranap-Ave-Walnut-Cree...You will find higher cap rates and more 20+ units buildings in SF, Oakland, and Richmond, but keep in mind of their stringent tenant laws. 

Additionally, the Villages are close by and with an aging population it attracts a lot of healthcare field workers.Now, with a lot of rental properties you may run into slightly longer vacancy periods if you have a unit turn at the same time as others, but generally speaking renter demand is solid. 

The success of such investments depends heavily on local market conditions, and maintenance and upkeep costs can add up, especially as the property ages.