Self sufficiency rule makes 3-4 units almost impossible. 

Additional Info —Key Details:Location: Outside Santa Fe, NMProperty Size: 20 acres (valued at $80,000)Project: Two new STR unitsExisting Experience: Family has two fully-occupied LTRs nearby, generating $2,000/monthConstruction Approach: Self-contracted with licensed trades for electrical/plumbingCost Assumption: $80,000 per unit, plus ~20% for inflation (based on 5–8-year-old build costs)Financing: Using land equity as down payment on construction loan (expecting closing costs to be major expense)Request: Looking for feedback, potential pitfalls, and general guidance

Many online courses are self-paced, so working on it in your spare time is absolutely doable.If a career shift isn’t your goal, you can still learn the "game" through various other means.

Seriously though, if you haven't already get your self a solid real estate-focused tax professional in your corner.

One thing to consider is that in terms of wealth building and Kiyosaki's Cashflow Quadrant, owing a rental and doing work yourself is putting you in the self-employed quadrant, not Business Owner or Investor.I think there are a lot of factors stacked against California for long term rentals, and I think you know it too! 

Otherwise, you will likely be copying someone else's false expectations.I have reviewed hundreds of such self-constructed logs, and most of them will not hold water.

My son (age 24) however, is an independant contractor / self employed and is trying to buy a house. 

Investing in your self improvement is wonderful most people do not have the mindset for growth.   

I have been President in a 30 lot self-managed HOA and it isn't that difficult if everyone works together. 

Im self employed, roughly make $130k gross anually, 1099 NEC , no debt at all, 740 credit score.