All factors that could indicate the economy is cooling down are NOT, in fact, indicating that the economy is cooling down.Can you afford the property at the current rates you will lock in indefinitely or would the payment eventually crush you? 

I know that I am certainly not in the place to raise money, thats why I was looking to this forum to find a way to begin building that knowledge and experience to eventually point me in the right direction.

Your mortgage payments may be fixed, but your taxes and utilities will increase, your maintenance material costs and labor rates for repairs have gone up, and your property is wearing out (appliances, flooring, water heaters, furnaces, roof, etc. all have a lifespan and will eventually need replaced). 

I let them know I was in over my head but I would eventually get things right.

Much like many of the so-called gurus, the cost for their "training" will eventually run into tens of thousands of dollars.

I looked out of state but eventually came to the conclusion after studying 4 markets in depth that staying local where I’m in control and have excellent systems in place just made more sense.

Plus you’re guaranteed to eventually owe CA taxes even if you exchange out of California unless you hold it until you die. 

Next day another person calls in, just repeating what I said the day before in a dumb way and eventually said, you know you have to refinance the 1st mortgage, right?

They go where the money is, but eventually get back to me.

I never fancied quitting my job, so I never did, and didn't need to live on any of that money, so eventually I ended up with a pretty lucrative business.