These are not long-term rental properties, and our guests are traveling to the desert for vacation, not because they need a place to live for two nights on a weekend. 

We bought a camper and we will be on the road because she is a traveling nurse. our next stop will be somewhere in California.

Once you’ve built some confidence and systems, you can start exploring additional markets.I personally focus on 2 markets that are about 20 mile radius.Make sure the market(s) you choose align with your investing goals, whether that’s cash flow, appreciation, or both.

Be aware of tax implications: rental income is taxed in the property’s state and reported on your California return, with deductions for travel, depreciation, and expenses.

Hi Ryan, the appreciation might be worth the wait if you can confidently handled the cash flow.  

I was more focused on building the portfolio, and it paid off, as I scaled to 50+ rental units in 5 years.I started my own PM when I moved to a different market because I wasn't confident I could find one as good as my previous manager.

Lastly, connect with other investors in those areas for insights and support—it can be a big confidence booster as you take the leap.

We want to be traveling and sailing throughout the year, not just when a job allows me to use my 10 days of vacation.

The lessons you learned the hard way in 2008 will be invaluable now, and it’s great that you’re aiming to stay small-scale and within your comfort zone of Sacramento, which gives you an advantage of knowledge in that market.Given your experience, I'd say start by focusing on three key areas to build confidence and minimize risks:Budget Control: Over-renovating was one of the big mistakes you mentioned.

I’ve been researching options like offering fully furnished rentals for traveling professionals or executives, especially with major employers expanding their footprints in the region.