My ultimate goals are to become financially free, build an "empire" for my kids to run, help others do the same and to help others charity wise!

Peter, Before jumping out of state you may consider purchasing a few rentals in some of the hard hit markets within CA - Sac, central valleys, inland empire, etc.

I could commend you for a long time for starting young, but instead check out my BP podcast episode "building a real estate empire at a young age" Show 124.

I'd just finished RIch Dad, Poor Dad and I was ready to start my real estate empire. 

There are also some good values and some real upside potential if you go inland a bit, like Riverside county - not sexy like the beach but the numbers can work better for flips, wholesales and even rentals.I also lived on Maui for several years during the boom of 2000 to 2005.

Here are some new Member TipsTip # 1: How to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketsTip # 2: Setting up Keyword AlertsTip # 3: 25 Tips for Real Estate SuccessTip # 4: Check out the Start Here pageTip # 5: Check out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's GuideTip # 6: Listen to BiggerPockets PodCastDon't know which one to listen first..listen to BiggerPockets Podcast 108: Building a 350 million Real Estate empire using the 10X rule with Grant CardoneTip #7: VotesTip #8: Meet BiggerPockets MembersTip#9: BP WebinarsGood Luck and welcome to Atlanta. 

I am in the Inland Empire, new and looking to network with others in So Calif. 

That is our plan in 14 years when we want to consolidate our empire to one area.

The honest answer- it's gut instinct based on empirical data and experience.

My buddy's main income is his properties so he manages the properties we buy.My longer term goals are to finish up my military career, get the small(ish) pension, probably fly for the airlines and continue building up my real estate empire (ha!)