I choose not to buy in California for several reasons (taxes being one) and inflated prices as you mention. 

However, there are areas of this great city that I choose not to invest in. 

I’ve been watching videos on Max Maxwell and Mark Whitten trying to soak up as much as I can on everything they say, when I don’t understand something I watch it multiple times until I understand it.

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bp The second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

I believe I have 2.5 options:A) Keep adding to this fund over the next few years until it reaches $300k+ and qualify for a $1mil+ loanB) Use $100k to buy a $500k single family home and use as future leverage for option A (Deposits <20% of property value incur an insurance fee of 1.75% called LMI) C) Use a 5% deposit/$25k for a $500k property, cop the LMI of $8500 but get in the market most soon and then leverage for option AWhich would you choose and why?

@Lincoln Tudor Why are you choosing to do a lease option?

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bp The second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

@Chris Ha - Watch these videos on multifamily financing. 

Who would CHOOSE to live more cheaply if they didn't absolutely have to?

I only listen to Biggerpockets podcast while driving now, and in my down time when I used to watch mindless television I am watching youtube videos, practicing running numbers, checking COMPS, and trying to prepare to the best of my ability to not come off like a complete and total amateur when I approach one of you lenders on here with a deal I firmly believe will be mutually beneficial.