What would be left after costs if he got his price from someone from the retail market sector?

Those still get snatched up.A coming recession may be on the way, but there are still some positive indicators in the economy such as high employment levels and increases in wages in certain sectors. 

However, if you are focused on wealth building and going beyond FI, getting to the point of time freedom AND into leisure lifestyles/frivolous purchases, then you will need to focus more on growth.

If you are just starting out, you can get a higher return on your money in other sectors of RE.  

Quote from @LeeAnn Owens: do your research, it doesn’t actually keep up with increasing costs of housing and other necessities Please indicate an employment sector that HAS kept up with the ridiculous inflationary increases over the last three years. 

Yes, absolutely.The 1031 can be used to change Size, type and geography of your portfolio so you can move into sectors of real estate that have more return potential like the stampede now from SF to MF or from residential to commercial.  

He said his company provides accommodations for temporary workers (for example folks from India who work in the tech sector on a guest worker visa and remain in the US for a year or two at most).Has anyone had any experience renting to these kind of tenants?

Our unemployment rate has been steadily decreasing this year, we don't have more than 30% of our workforce in any one industry (which helps us maintain stability when one sector sees a downturn) and we have a great university with a teaching hospital that provides stable, well-paid employment for thousands of people (which means good tenants that can pay on time every month).

I was told by a lender that I need to put 25% down for a 3-unit property in California because in this sector I'll be competing with investors who would be paying cash and flipping for a profit.

I stayed in the tech sector while investing for decades.