From my own eyes redacted took a 2 week break while a new studio was being built, during that time Clayton did mobile shows and we noticed European plates on cars then freeway signs from the interstate system, I am very familiar with these we lived there for 65 years, tune in to redacted on you tube, they talk about living in Portugal and no longer do.

In this market I'm not looking to really cash flow, but want to at least break even until I can refi with better rates and value add.Where/what would you suggest to look at in San Diego right now?

I’ve heard from some investors that are perfectly okay with simply breaking even on rental properties in the current market, but I’ve never had the risk tolerance for that.

Not enough current income to move the needle, but all the knowledge required to learn and, if you're self-managing, the always-present "the tenant could move/break/have problem any minute of the day" possibility. 

Problem with many of them I see this far north is November thru March they kinda sit or you have to discount the daily rate so much that you only might break even.

There was no evidence of breaking and entering.  

Start small, maybe with a property that needs lighter rehab, and view it as a learning experience rather than a make-or-break deal.

Break down your rehab into individual jobs, for example get a electrician for electrical work, a plumber to repipe the house, a dry wall guy to close out the walls, etc.

The additional income from STR could justify the renovation costs, but it requires active management and market awareness.LTR or Break-Even Strategy: Renting long-term might simplify things, but if it only breaks even, you’re right to consider if appreciation is enough motivation to hold.DIY Basement: DIYing the basement could increase STR appeal without the full $50K outlay, especially if extra space attracts more bookings.

I've had over 100 broken windows in the last decade and only had 4 of those admit to breaking it on their own.