I enjoy the challenges of earning money. 

As an agent who has successfully helped over 25 house hack buyers in the last in 4 years, and have sold over 500 properties in my career, what you are looking for, in the price range listed simply doesn't exist. 

The positives are from the buyers prospective1- the ability to buy a property with little down payment2- the ability to obtain financing at below market rate3 -not needing to qualify for convention/institutional financing4- not having another debt on your PFS5 - not needing to pay points and other fees to obtain a new mortgage The positives for the seller are 1- can possibly sell a property in which they have negative equity without bringing cash to the closing table2 -expand the pool of potential buyers 3 -possibly obtain a higher price/ quicker sale 4 - can utilize a wrap to potentially earn the “differential” on interest rate 5 -May be able to save the Realtors commissionAll this being established, here’s the BIG question:  Can a subject to transaction be done where both parties are reasonably protected?  

Increase your earnings, reduce expenses, save up, and invest.

Active investors absolutely have ability for higher returns, but at some point it does impact your primary job earning power. 

I'm surprised more aspiring investors don't turn to this strategy to begin their real estate careers. 

Three Months ago, low to mid 6's were available.Rates are going to continually fluctuate but if you have a way to earn 10+% on your capital, the TIME you are not using it is going to cost you way more than the extra .5% per year will.You are walking over dollars to save pennies if you are waiting for the perfect rate, half of the people who held out on getting mid 6's were waiting for high 5's.

But I kept doing what I have always done did not quit but thought things would change.As for 2023 and 2024 those were by far the best years of my career..

This means that every year, your IRR (Internal Rate of Return) will increase.4) In an appreciation heavy market like San Diego, the IRR is going to be the best way to calculate your earnings as cash flow is fairly low relative to initial costs (down-payment, closing costs, carry costs while placing tenants)5) To calculate your IRR, you want to use this formula: (Appreciation + loan pay down +/- Net rents)/ down- payment.you can include the Closing Costs, and carry costs, but I usually do not.

The average turnkey rental make about $300/month.From what you said, using real estate as a side vehicle with your good salary and earnings is a good start, as well as investing in core things like index funds.