The two are almost entirely different markets in terms of price points, returns, tenant quality, and overall investing strategy.

The price range for the home would be $1M - $1.8M.Is there any way I could qualify for 3.5% down instead?

While prices have risen, there are still opportunities with the right approach.

Quote from @Robert Pickett: I am in CA too and it is a dead end situation with prices and very little prtection for landlords.  

Purchase price: $169,000 Cash invested: $35,000 Looking to put 70K into the separate garage to make a 730Sqft home.

When a Class A apartment can be had for the same price as a Class B/C renovated unit, the B/C operator drops prices, and so on.But, in terms of making an investment decision, I think it is short sighted to rely purely on full market average data.  

Purchase price: $240,000 Cash invested: $60,000 I purchased this duplex in distressed condition using owner financing for $240K and secured a $60K hard money loan for renovations.

If the numbers make sense, the plan is to approach the seller and attempt to get a lower price for this "2-story" building which has vacancies, since that's what the owner is selling.

It's probably just worth walking away on this one unless you got a really good price.

Purchase price: $271,000 Cash invested: $30,000 Duplex with 1 bed, 1 bath in each unit + 3 car garage in a great neighborhood.