Here are a few ideas to explore that might help you get closer to homeownership in San Diego without selling:Cash-Out Refinance:Refinancing one or both of your El Centro properties could free up additional cash for a down payment without selling.

In addition, condos tend to not appreciate as fast in value compared to single-family or multi-family homes. 

Oh, AND I get to add some new additional handcuffs to the mix.Zero sense, it makes absolutely zero sense. 

I think they contain solid information and will help lay a good foundation as a beginner (Haha, I'm completely new to real estate as well, btw)I'm also going to be reading the following books, and hopefully I can finish all by the end of this month:1) The ABCs of Property Management2) The Advanced Guide to Real Estate Investing3) Long-Distance Real Estate Investing How to Buy, Rehab, and Manage Out-of-State Rental Properties (this might be the most important one to me personally)4) The Book on Investing in Real Estate with No (and Low) Money DownIn addition to reading, I'm consuming crazy amounts of youtube videos, and I'recommend you do this as well.

Additionally, ensure that all necessary notices for filing an eviction have been posted and properly documented in your records.

Additionally, do you all generally use a smaller income criteria if the rent is inclusive of utilities? 

Additionally, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will sometimes temporarily suspend the income cap on their HomeReady and HomePossible programs, which allow purchases with 3% down.

Another option would be working with private lenders to see if they're open to your idea should you need additional funding. 

I rented out the additional bedrooms to friends and family, charging them well below market, and sold when it was time for my wife and I to start our own adventures.

There are cheaper one’s in D/F areas but I would be careful as those can create a laundry list of additional issues.