If anyone can advise, I would appreciate it

If you can't qualify, DSCRs are a good option but I normally advise to stick with a 3-year prepay (or less, depending on pricing).

😂Not looking for a magic formula, just to better understand the process of hunting, finding, analyzing, and making the offer.I appreciate any advise for the newbie. 

I was playing with the idea of selling my condo, taking 300k of the equity to put a down payment towards a house listed at 660k.I'm assuming the reno will run $300/sqft and going in with the assumption that phase 1 will run 750k (figure the expansion of the house will have to wait) for the gut reno.I assume/hope (but definitely not banking on) that I will be able to refi in 2-3 years at a lower interest rate; if not for a lower rate.This will likely be a family home for the next 5-10 years at LEAST so investment value isn't quite at top of mind ATM.Questions:Even if it's not for lower interest rate, do you feel it's advisable to refi to remove the 203 loan in the future?

If anyone can advise or give insight on both greatly appreciated 

I found someone in my area with a decent amount of experience in real estate who advised me to first purchase a single family home of my own (starter home) then proceed to use that as my first rent house in a few years time.

More ways for Real Estate Agents to benefit from AB 1033// New Listing Opportunities:More properties to list and sell as ADUs gain condo status Ability to represent both the primary home and ADU as separate sales Potential to attract buyers looking for affordable entry-level ownership // Investment Consultant Services:Helping clients understand how to legally separate and sell ADUs Advising property owners on maximizing value through ADU sales Connecting clients with lenders and legal experts for ADU transactions // Business Development:Becoming a preferred resource for ADU-to-condo conversions Leveraging AB 1033 knowledge to attract new clients and listings

Quote from @David Brooks: I've received advise that our friendly STR loophole can not be used to characterize STR income/loss as non-passive on a California tax return. 

Quote from @Bruce Woodruff: Quote from @Ed Daniels: @Noah Kellar tough to advise without a photo, but I think the consideration about how it would turn out to repair and paint, remove siding to paint wood, or re-side is easy to me as an investor... whatever looks the best for minimum cost.  

It would take a 30-minute phone call, or you would need to give a lot more info for me to advise you properly.