We would buy a house live in it for 2-3 years then on to the next and rent the old one out.

I live in Kansas.

We overthink real estate...Just find a place that people with options want to live. 

(For context, it's a 2700 sf 4 bd 3 bath house in an upscale Northern California suburb.)Kitchen A: Traditional, features a 48 in fridge, 36 in cooktop, window sink (no view), pantry.Kitchen B: Designer, features a 60 in fridge, 48 in range, large kitchen window (no view), sink facing living/dining room; unfortunately no pantryKitchen C: A Little Bit of Both, features a 48 in fridge, 48 in range, sink facing living/dining room, pantry, unfortunately there's no window.Total countertop space is roughly the same (22 ft)  in all three layouts.

I have owned 3 homes in the past that I lived in.

I am interested in buying a long-term turnkey property in a nice area (I live in San Diego so this property would have to be out of state).

I am new in BP, and I am looking to understand where I start with learning about REI.I currently live in New York which it's not a good place to start investing.i know the difference between STR,MTR,LTR....

@Fabio CattolicoFrom my experience, balancing career growth, cost of living, and real estate goals is a smart move.

Considering that, you are likely going to see appreciation year over year, which essentially will be additional equity you'd capture just by simply living in the home. 

I also have registered my "rental company" with the state of Maryland, where we live.