Leaving SoCal won't be easy, as we love the lifestyle, but everyone is getting older and everyone in the family is back east.I'm a licensed broker in CA but have never used it.  

I was listening to the Lifestyles podcast and he said that people investing in real estate should not invest into their works 401K but invest in rental properties.

Be sure to have all your numbers and information available to give to them and go over), you may also want to try selling them to Net Worth Realty, New Western Acquisitions, and agents at Lifestyles Unlimited or Lifestyles members; but be certain your numbers are good.  

He provided information for a hard money lender ( asset), walked me through a property and provided ideas I could use to enhance a property that needed cosmetics, as well as other concerns; plumbing, heating electrical, roof etc.

I'm wrapping up week one of a new REI oriented lifestyle having left behind 25 years of corporate work in the IT field.  

Did you write a long letter of explanation that explains your intentions and why you are downgrading your lifestyle?

Given that you have 'enhanced' your numbers with $200,$300,$500 here and there to be on the safe side, you are coming up with a good "future NOI". 

Aruba, Jamaica or other warm weather vacation area makes for a new lifestyle and a new upbeat environment for you to clear your head and make income at the same time or a cool weather hunting area if you like the sportsman lifestyle.

Homeownership is still near its historic low and that could remain as the renter lifestyle is becoming popular amongst people young and old.

Start emailing people on BP and go meet them for lunch, join local real estate clubs such as the RICH club, lifestyle unlimited..I also strongly advise you to come to "the real deal" events, look it up on Meetup.com.