Can it still be lucrative to buy a house that isn't in a good school district? 

The magic on this step is you - what information do you need, what steps need to be done and in what order, how are you communicating that, and how is it showing up in your scope of work.

There’s essentially two schools of thoughtThe first is that any W2 money you will get is insignificant to business net worth so you should be spending all your time on your business even if it means you have to be homeless.

I grew up just north of SF and went to school in Santa Barbara.

@Richard Heck just sell them yourself i put mine 10 bed and 6 bed on bizquest and also contacted local realtors and local schools that train administrators and managers for ALFs,  , i get 5 inquiries a day 

Perform MAGIC!

I know there's no crystal ball or magic bean but I've been reading all the great advice that gets posted here and as a newbie I am hoping I might be able to get some guidance.

I went to school in Santa Barbara and frequented San Diego often.

he is a teacher at the high school i went to, no one ever suspected he was bringing in so much money!

It depends on how much capital you have but I recommend either house hacking (3.5% - 5% down) a 2-4 unit property or you'll need 20-25% down for a non-owner occupant purchase which comes with higher rates.I would say house hacking is not an option for me, because I have a family with 2 kids (need good schools).