What are YOUR top priorities as an investor?

Without the high leverage you reduce the top source of return in CA RE which is achieve via the appreciation on a high leverage property.  

A/B Class is your top choice as this will quality tenants. 

Set up a few calls and see who is a better fit for you. 

Focus on properties where you can force appreciation—those sitting on MLS too long might not be the right fit.

Hey Lauren, I read you wanted to retire in NC - great choice as I believe it will also fit nicely with your plan of owing turnkey SF rental property.

I know you feel you are on top of it, and it sounds like a class A or B.

I have known and worked with Matt for years.I have attended his training and hired him as a consultant.He is hands down the best at what he does.I have personally raised over $50 million for my hard money lending company.I am grateful for a lot of people who helping me with this success and Matt is at or near the top of that list.

The tax rate difference from from long term to short term alone won't make it worthwhile in my opinion- add the 401K withdrawal penalty on top.

If managing it yourself feels unsustainable in the long run, hiring a good property manager could give you more peace of mind.Since a 1031 exchange or like-kind replacement doesn’t seem to be a good fit for your current situation, you could consider a HELOC if you need to tap into the equity for other investments without selling the property, although rates are high so this would eat up your cash flow.