Let’s collaborate and share insights...sometimes a simple conversation can spark your next big move. 

I think that '25 will be a transition year ("end the dive in '25") for the reasons you stated--construction will fall off in Q2-3 but demand will remain...that sparks rent growth.Interest rates:  Yes, flat to up. 

I'm a local real estate broker, investor, and manager (100+ rentals, mostly Airbnb/STR and multifamily).House hacking is a tried-and-true method and in Sacramento you can produce some meaningful income while enjoying the appreciation and tax benefits of owning real estate.

Use your energy on something more meaningful.

What’s sparked your interest in short-term rentals?

I had to take a 20 year corporate engineering detour to get back to what sparks joy for me.

If that sparks your interest, i'm curious which market you’re leaning toward for the replacement property...are you thinking high-growth spots like San Antonio or somewhere smaller like Omaha?

I can feel that spark of excitement you’ve got.. it reminds me of the thrill I had when I first dove into real estate decades ago.

I would not expect a meaningfully lower rate and pmt for likely several years. 

If appreciation is not there, however, it seems like a potentially long waiting game to see if your $60k investment today returns anything meaningful in the long run.