Determine Your BudgetSet a Realistic Budget: Consider the cost of tuition, living expenses, and your financial situation.Mortgage vs.

My wife and I just closed on a duplex in Oakland, but the basement/garage was already converted into a separate living space with a bedroom and bathroom.

Since we live in Orlando area, we are looking at a STR in Disney area. 

I too live in Asheville, so Sapphire was closer than Cashiers and Highlands.

Talk to a CPA to see how each scenario plays out.A 401K continues to grow in value, but what do you live on? 

You live and learn I suppose.

I live in San Diego and am trying to purchase my first investment property I have about 150K to put down but am struggling to find deals that meet my price point. 

Hey John,I own 12 units in Detroit but currently live in California.

He lives locally, is very responsive.

You'll likely also reduce your cost of living by moving to a stabilized apartment.Depending on the cashflow and debt paydown, you can use this strategy until you've built enough equity to reinvest.On the other hand, getting into a multi-family after refinancing will also help you build substantial equity to rinse and repeat in the coming years.