These can sometimes offer better cash flow, especially if you’re in a family-friendly area with unique features like extra square footage, an ADU, or flexible layouts.

Our niche is SFH and duplexes.

In my experience, finding deals with strong potential for cash flow, often means digging deeper into off-market opportunities or unique property types that traditional models overlook.

I believe CA market in general is expected to increase by 4-5% but SF is unique. 

: I understand that there is commercial and residential, but there has got to be subgroups While I don't think you need to niche down immediately, some specializations in residential RE are:- Co-op- Condo (incl. luxury)- SFR (median pricepoint)- SFR Luxury- MFR- RentalsThere are a ton of commercial RE specializations including retail (various types), restaurant, other food/bev., warehouse, storage, and dozens more.What should I expect when first coming into the profession ?

.- My Resources / Constraints: I'm in a by no means unique, but perhaps less common situation for those getting started; I'm a somewhat senior software engineer at a tech megacorp and should be able to save a couple of down payments per year for lower priced houses (100-200 in my area), or perhaps one medium priced house (300-500).

Then identify your product niche/type. 

Congrats on being a unique offering for the area. 

Understand your niche!

Maybe my experience is unique- maybe not.