2) If you do owner-occupied cashout refi for best rate, you technically have to live in the home for 12 months before renting it out. * Some responders here may suggest not worrying about that and renting it out anyways.

Does USAA know that you are living in it?

I live in San Diego and am trying to purchase my first investment property I have about 150K to put down but am struggling to find deals that meet my price point. 

It always seems the people that don't live in CA or have ever lived in CA are always the one leading the bandwagon of "why would anyone live in CA?".

Hi, we went live with our first STR (or any rental for that matter) around mid-November.  

It wasn't fun living an hour and a half from work and play, but absolutely worth it.If one is starting with relatively low living expenses, cash flow can be extremely powerful towards reaching financial freedom.

I am new to real estate investing and got into it because of the book The House Hacking Strategy.I live in San Diego; the rent is just crazy.

Where are you living at this point?

I am a single individual, no dependents, only live and work in PA.

I am putting in a link to something that may be help, a cost of living comparison calculator (https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/cost-of-living-calculat...).