I am in the same area and similar boat - 35, MechE for OEM, looking to start with first property this year. 

Just find someone that shares your goals and is in the same boat as you, and pool your finances and efforts together to purchase your first property.

Amanda Kuhl on the same boat.

The owner is storing a boat and a pull-behind trailer on it.

I  am kind of in the same boat as you in terms of trying to best figure to do this in the Bay Area but here is what I know so far.

When you pick the right rental properties and property management to do the actual work,your personal location is irrelevant.I know many investors who live in California and invest exclusively in Ohio,Indiana,and Tennessee multi-family properties and never even meet the tenants or deal with any of the headaches that they can bring on.Some are retired and travel full time in RVs and boats and never have a permanent home.

I'm in a similar boat trying to get started myself also. 

@David Edwards So you're in the same boat as everyone in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, San Diego, Orange County, etc.  

I had no issues saving money when I knew exactly what my pay would be.There's a sort of catch 22 here with my situation anyone else in similar boat?  

I'm in the same boat and was looking into doing what you said.