I grew up just north of SF and went to school in Santa Barbara.

There’s essentially two schools of thoughtThe first is that any W2 money you will get is insignificant to business net worth so you should be spending all your time on your business even if it means you have to be homeless.

@Richard Heck just sell them yourself i put mine 10 bed and 6 bed on bizquest and also contacted local realtors and local schools that train administrators and managers for ALFs,  , i get 5 inquiries a day 

I went to school in Santa Barbara and frequented San Diego often.

he is a teacher at the high school i went to, no one ever suspected he was bringing in so much money!

It depends on how much capital you have but I recommend either house hacking (3.5% - 5% down) a 2-4 unit property or you'll need 20-25% down for a non-owner occupant purchase which comes with higher rates.I would say house hacking is not an option for me, because I have a family with 2 kids (need good schools). 

These areas are known for better school districts, less turnover, safer areas, all resulting in better tenants taking care of your investment.

The high school sits right on this road and so do all the big box stores and restaurants.

Areas with good school districts, public transportation, and amenities tend to attract reliable tenants. 

I own two units and one is leased by the unit for the upcoming 2024-25 school year.