Also if i am not mistaken i can also use CalHFA and Zip / CHDAP downpayment assistance programs having my skin in the game very  minimal. please don't bash me too hard or discourage me too much, those of you who go too straight edge and by the books frowning at anything that is not 100% permitted or those of you who have the portfolio and income to turn down and scoff at these "garbage properties. i don't currently have that luxury and i'm will to get in and grind so i can have more free time to make a full career transition into Real estate. 

Had another guy who was in a transitional phase.

Perhaps they're in transition and plan on moving in a few years to permanently settle in another city.Tenants fresh out of college or grad school with a $800 rent budget are a different customer and I'd adjust accordingly.

Found the markets near military bases do not fluctuate as much as other metro areas, and have a higher rental demand due to the transitioning work force.

I tell many investors from California and other states that arent in the Midwest, the key to having a successful transition into buying and holding here or flipping is building a team.

A few questions:How does one transition from newbie multi-family investing to syndication? 

I think there is a transition (grace) period for you to sell and still take advantage of the capital gains exclusion.

We are transitioning to where money is less of a constraint (although it always is to some extent) - and where time is more valuable. 

It didn't have any cash flow and there were a ton of vacant rentals in the neighborhood but it was right by where they were building a mass transit station.

I think there are some pockets in the bay area you can find breakeven or cash flow. one option is to do house hacking and then to transition to multifamily. hope it helps.