With the job, I would recommend looking for something with a large property management company such as FirstKey, Invitation Homes, American Homes for Rent, etc. since there is no better way to learn the industry from the inside out. 

I know, I dream big lol. 

@Joshua Paul pick up some side jobs to help save money.

I have dreams of owning rental properties and wish to learn lots about achieving this dream.

The guy I used said there’s good money in it s long as you’re available every time you to do a job.

Since this will be a part-time job for me aside from my work full time job, I plan to start small, with just a single triplex or quadplex.

On top of those 'three jobs' we've got 5 kids aged 7-11 between the two of us. 

Job well done!

My goal is to eventually become financially independent to the point of being able to work my current job 6 months out of the year.

That's just a first glance, but that might lead one to lean towards Sacramento as a play for appreciation and rent increases over time, but lean towards Stockton for cashflow today since the prices are lower.... up to you what your goals are.Anecdotally, you hear a lot more people saying "I'm taking my high income job working from home, and moving my 'home' to Sacramento, and just driving to the Bay Area once a month for the monthly work meeting!"