They can introduce you to all the local players you will need like property managers and lenders.Over time, increase your own personal knowledge and development with books, podcasts, and conferences on the topic.But finding a commercial real estate broker with a teacher's heart will go a long way to getting you started.To your success!

If you plan to live there in the winters, you might have a hard time doing long term rental outside of that and finding a new tenant every summer.

Virtually everyone lives somewhere especially true for those that pay taxes (in CA property and income tax).  

The loan is with you, not with your tenant, so none of that means anything to them - in fact because you live in one unit and it's under 4, if you were self-managing you don't even have to abide by fair housing laws (at least on the federal level). 

Additionally, young adults are living together with no intention of marriage.  

Communicate with your tenant on tasks you are uncertain about and confirm if there are comfortable living with fixes you completed or if they would like a professional.

Thanks, Dan Audino Have you considered a live and flip?

I live in Lawrenceville, GA and am beginning my first house hack, working to purchase another property by the end of the year. 

Quote from @Tove Fox: I live in California and am interested in purchasing my first investment property in an A or B neighborhood in one of the above states, ideally under $300k.

I can speak from experience as a student at Texas A&M, I lived in a 5 br/5 b house and I knew plenty of other students who lived in similar houses or "Ag Shacks" if you will.