I did a local renovation where I was onsite at least once a week and I went over budget by more than $50,000 but because California properties appreciate or at least hold their value.If you can find a way to invest in the LA area or within driving distance you have a lot more control than buying 2000 miles away and doing a renovation from far away.

I'm not sure if these high tech salaries will continue, some of them get compensated via RSU (Restricted Stock Units) My suggestions were to house hack (if they're still renting) or within a 2 to 3 hour drive.

I have a standalone former drive thru bank that is now a vet clinic. 

But I once did one to save a couple thousand bucks, and it cost nearly that much just to hire the Qualified Intermediary.Also, I found myself wanting to move into the property I exchanged, which is a no-no without allowing a couple of years to pass under a safe harbor.

Impossible to tell which would benefit you most.I have found that lenders value the house in different ways; one is a full appraisal and the other is an automatic valuation…my credit union did a “drive by” valuation.  

It's a 15 minute drive from the main highway (i.e. not the most RV friendly drive).

Until builders can catch up and create millions of homes, I think we will continue to see huge increases in sales prices, however, the lack of sellers means numbers in terms of how many houses sold will continue to go down driving prices up even higher

I flew out there and did drive around the neighborhoods - they look much different in person than in photos and video tours (I do know a few CA investors who buy sight unseen in multiple states but I think their risk tolerance is higher than mine).   

Condos can be steady and safe, but will not have the appreciation potential that single-family homes have, but also come with less maintenance.

That's like JFK asking if this is a good day for a drive.