I am casually looking in 2 markets away from San Diego but I am not expecting to achieve the return that I have historically achieved in my local RE investments.  

This is coming from someone to stepped out of W2 in their early/mid 30s, and I can tell you first hand it's not cheap and anybody that tries this really does not understand the reality of it.To your other questions, cash flow is just a mechanism of leverage nothing less or more.

Long term, I aim to achieve financial freedom and transition into real estate full-time.

Is anyone out there still able to achieve the 1% rule and in which markets?

Year 3 we achieved a 10% rent increase across the portfolio, but have incurred high turnover and vacancy costs.

While I’m just starting out in real estate, I’m determined to build equity and achieve financial freedom through thoughtful investments.Here’s a little about me:I’ve been exploring wholesaling and land investing as potential entry points but haven’t made my first deal yet.

Everyday RE investors achieve success with just basic math skills.

What are you trying to achieve?

Early house hackers often start small, learning property management firsthand.

Then after that is achieved, we will begin saving for a down payment on our first house that we plan to buy in the next 2-4 years.