Then save again for another few years, until I have enough for a down payment on a property where I am (Bay Area), that I can house hack or, B) Assume the mortgage and pay it off over time, while deploying some savings towards a down payment on another property in my hometown (I go back every 2 weeks) - handling 2 mortgages at once. 

This is use as my emergency fund or to store cash that I want to deploy quickly.

I'm working on getting my license while deployed overseas (currently active duty military but will be leaving the service soon).

I can live with the situation if we have to, at least he’s not deployed, but if there’s a way out sooner than I’d like to explore that. 

@Austin Richey Hey I to am just starting out in my REI career.The one thing i would say is to take the time to get a grasp on REI "Before" you deploy your first chunk of cash.

Missed last years because of a deployment.

I have a buddy who closed on 242 units while deployed.

A good PM will already have the best maintenance personnel ready to deploy once a issue arises at your property.

well its took 3 years a few deployments with the army and my wife and I going to a Dave Ramsey course out on at our church to finally get our priorities straight, and now we are really starting to look good financially.

So after this deployment I will have some heavy cash set aside.