.• Use some equity from the sale to make this transition smoother.I’m torn between maintaining our current home as an asset and buying  a new smaller house to use as a rental after we move back in versus simplifying and focusing on a single upgraded property Considering factors like market trends, potential equity growth, and quality of life, which path do you think would be most beneficial?

He's an acquired taste but I've read many of his books and maybe I'm a fool, but I believe he is genuine in his commitment and drive for success.

Just depends on your strategy but my best advice is to take a drive through those areas.

The goal is not about accumulating money based on the rate of return but to continue to stack and grow the cash flow. 

They just don’t keep up with the growth appreciation rates of other properties in the same neighborhood or even the same building.

Look at rent growth if you are primarily interested in cash flow.  

I will provide some thoughts on the San Diego purchase- virtually all high LTV mls purchases since rates started to hike have negative cash flow at purchase- historically great appreciation- historically great rent growth but recently flattening- prop 13 is great benefit for long holds- laws keep getting less LL friendly.

California prices are really unaffordable at the same time the state has consistently had outmigration of native residents for something like a decade and even negative population growth recently whereas Texas has grown substantially. 

“I’ve had the opportunity to get to know AHP’s founders well and believe their ten-year history and financial stability provide the building blocks for growth.

As long as you focus on areas with strong job growth and analyze the deal carefully, I think you will be in great shape.