Another note for you on conventional financing for condos is that anything over 15 year fixed and 75% LTV will pick up an additional condo "hit" to the rate meaning your interest rate will likely be 1/8 to 1/4 higher in addition to the typical uptick you would see from an investor loan.My guess is that your broker either doesn't want to deal with verifying warrantability of condos or does not have experience with non-warrantable loan programs.

And I'll bet the market is very workable... you're going to do great there. 

@Andrew Orr, My wife and I painted the paneling in an addition of a home we sold in Michigan.  

Your best bet would be to find an owner that is open to seller carry.

I'm betting about 80k or so mortgage aside.

@Daniel S.Don't forget that there's a 10% early withdrawal fee (age > 59-1/2) in addition to the taxes.

Becoming an agent has costs to operate Day 1 which includes: additional car insurance (required to drive people around), licensing fees, dues (state and national), fees to operate a Supra key, to be on MARIS (MLS), prepaid legal fees, etc.

We have been living with the house as-is, and a found a number of additional problems with it.  

Additionally, since you are earning a good wage you qualify as accredited investor.  

I'm a SD resident entering the game and buying two SFH's in the KC, MO suburbs and am looking for recommendations on local (San Diego) CPAs that specialize in REI, and specifically have a knowledgeset for investors with holdings outside California.In addition, as someone starting out with their first holdings, any recommendations on things to specifically knock out right off the bat with my new CPA would be much appreciated!