I’ve been interested in real estate for years and have invested as an LP in several projects, ranging from residential single-family homes to NNN properties and flipping.While I haven’t owned any property yet, I’m hoping to take that step in the near future.

Speaking with a lender is a good plan, they can help you plan for the future.  

Pro - I avoid any future repair expense.

So, my first caution is it would be healthy not to expect similar results on certain real property investments/deals in the current and near future cycles.That said, there are multiple considerations and clarity needed, before I would act on any investments with your equity.

A project like that will probably take 6 months to 1 year, so what's your expectation for future rents?

My goal of refinancing was simply lowering our monthly spending to reallocate towards future investments.

You could put in a range of numbers for purchase price and closing costs, renovation expenses, and expected returns and you could very quickly get a range of projected return on investments (although an excel spreadsheet could easily do this as well), but I'm sure as technology develops we will see even more sophistication in AI's ability to assist in deal analyzing.

How long are you expecting to hold and do you have the money to purchase in San Diego?

Hire an attorney and proceed with the eviction.In the future, I recommend you don't accept "landlord references" from friends or family members.

You will be waiting a long time - that as mentioned was a black swan event just like when they went to like 18%.Historically speaking expect rates to be between 5-8%. my recommendation to anyone buying real estate today is if you buy, expect to hold it for atleast 5 years