After that's under control, focus on increasing income through additional work at your current job, taking on a side hustle, or finding ways to increase income on your existing rental.At the same time, educate yourself.

Finding deals outside of California can definitely open up new opportunities, especially given the cost of living and market dynamics in the state.When looking for properties in other states, consider focusing on areas with strong rental demand, economic growth, and population increase.

I still think it is a good area to invest in despite the increases in cost.  

A lot of lenders used to apply 35% for expenses, but in the last several years, the numbers for supplies, labor, utilities, taxes, etc… have increased significantly.Also take into account the age, occupancy and how has the property been maintained, this will affect the expenses too

But I think you are asking for a standard timeline for a basic transaction @Kiryl Ulanovich. 

After a year at staring at insurance data daily, AZ insurance rates are only increasing marginally, while most states are damn near doubling.3.

A reasonableness standard is applied to negligence claims and I would argue a property owner who owns real estate in the Poconos and knows the property is left vacant due to the owners decision to lease the property as a short term rental should know that the pipes are more inclined to freeze and therefore should install heat tracing lines or other measure to ensure the plumbing lines do not freeze.

If you are open to value add strategy, small multis have potential for not only traditional forced appreciation but also the ability to see major rent increases.  

Helping others navigate this unique and impactful business model has been a rewarding part of my journey.Now, I’m looking to scale by incorporating the BRRRR strategy—acquiring undervalued properties, rehabbing them to meet care home standards, and refinancing to reinvest.

@Christopher HeidrichRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?