Best bet though is a local community business bank.. 

I would suggest buying without value add only if you were going to keep the property at least 10 years. https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ca/san-diego/real-estateI think your plan to rent in San Diego is likely the correct choice especially as you get to know the area. 

A small multifamily property is a smart choice for a first investment—it offers a great balance of income potential and manageable scale for someone new to the space.Don’t worry about being ambitious; it’s clear you’ve done your homework, and you’re already ahead of the game by setting a clear goal.

An attorney that practices real estate is a good choice, an attorney that invests in real estate is a better choice.

Bought it as a safe bet thinking it would do roughly $35k annually in short term rents.

Verify employment and call previous landlords to avoid tenants with red flags.Rent Setting: Research comparable rentals in your neighborhood to ensure your rent is competitive.Use Technology: RentRedi is a great choice.

We placed our biggest bet on a single property, class B shares.

I really see Columbus Ohio as an extremely safe bet for the next 10-20 years.

I would bet the older homes will see a lot more appreciation than the newer homes, percentage wise. 

There are many choices out there so take some time and check out other systems to see what works for you.