I now have 2000 units and a team that allows me to focus on just the parts I enjoy (mostly the deal making)I don't see anything I could have ever done that would bring me as much income and wealth.   

When I started 15 years ago I was all over the map, but soon realized that I don't like low income neighborhoods and the issues that come with it, I traded out of C areas into B neighborhoods.

To answer your second point in one, passive losses from your 1st property will offset income from your 2nd property if it begins generating income.

Landlord friendly, low property taxes, no state income tax, and can be a day trip from CA.  

If you jump right into a 6-12 unit unexperienced, you will have a lot more room to lose money rather than earn.

In order to past this SS test, your appraised market gross rental income at 75% has to be more/equal to your monthly mortgage payment (PITIA).

The extra income from renting your current house would certainly help out regardless of what you decide to do and if you do your homework on a second house, it'll pay for itself!

Are you looking for immediate cash flow through rental income, or are you more interested in long-term capital appreciation?

In these cities, your financial resources will go a long way enabling you to assemble a diverse multifamily portfolio and initiate a steady stream of income.

I have a buddy who bought an ice fishing cabin in New England for next to nothing and earned a 50% cash on cash return because he has been ice fishing there for 15 years and knows the intricacies of that world and how to cater to that customer.