I'm not an expert on California law, but I believe you are allowed to give a 60-day notice of termination for a substantial remodel.

It will also allow you to pull some cash out if you have the equity and for tax purposes.You can have two VA loans at the same time but having two means that the second home may not qualify for 100%. 

Given your husband’s high W-2 income, the tax savings from qualifying as active could be significant, allowing you to offset his income with potential rental losses. 

This applies regardless of the type of deduction you choose to take for the vehicle.If section 179 doesn't work in your situation, there is bonus depreciation, which allows for a deduction of up to about $20k of the value of the vehicle for 2024. 

Using a househack for an STR could be particularly advantageous in municipalities where STRs have been cracked down on more but still allow you to do it if you are living in the property.

With $10,000 saved, an FHA loan (3.5% down) is a great choice, allowing you to afford a property around $280,000.

https://nationalmortgageprofessional.com/news/study-reveals-....Not sure BP will allow that link to post, if not just google " 10000 saved using a broker vs direct lender" and you can find the article.On the flip side, there are some banks and credit unions that could offer products that they do not allow to be brokered.

The market is affordable, with properties in the $100K - $150K range (or lower), which allows for scalability, just like you mentioned.

Market might be competitive but there is angles to stand out depending on what you are comfortable and able to handle, such as waiving an appraisal contingency, limitng inspection rights and time frames, closing time frames, allowing seller to stay-post closing, taking on difficult tenants, buying properties that might need repairs, etc.

If it's in a shared space like a basement that's one thing but if it's in an occupied unit, that is something that may not be allowed in your jurisdiction.