Real Talk.

Talking with other landlords.

Even the narrowest without garages might be 12 units per acre. mixed use is complex and you need a commercial agent. that's a small plot for mixed use. if you don't have a lot of experience I'd recommend talking to the city first about permitted uses within your zoning and what they may allow variances on for development, check your height restrictions first.

Would love to connect with you some time and talk real estate! 

So... talk to an advisor about you and your situation to determine what is the right call for you.As to the property taxes, you're likely familiar with Prop 13 in California. 

Hoping any RE agents or owners in the area can talk to me about the market there. 

This is why job growth/fundamentals get talked about so often when choosing a market; put yourself where you have the most qualified applications possible for your home.With $100k down and assuming 20%-25% DP, you're looking at homes in the $350k-$450k range, with $400k probably being a break-even, at best.

I recently own approximately 1.5 acres of commercial real estate zoned R-3 moderate density multi family in Green Bay WI.I talked to a developer who estimates site fully developed could fit approximately 3 buildings of 12 unit apartments.

If he wanted to you to learn, he would have explained what he was doing and why.I'd talk to a realtor, get an honest assessment of what you could get if you sold it in the spring and then decide what you want to do. 

Even if that included driving there or going out with your partner to dinner and talking about how the business can make more money.