I think your very first step is to determine how much you can afford, and then go from there.

@Linval T @Joe.D @Michael Sato

If you don`t have cash for the deal you could try short term owner finance.

I myself would love to spend every morning walking the beach in La Jolla but I sure as heck can't afford any property there now. 

I don;t know if this is done in residential but I have seen it a lot on commercial.  

Cannot afford specialised attorney.

I provide affordable, safe, and fully functioning housing, and they give me rent payment in exchange.

Set up a plan and budget go over materials you want and can afford for it figure out whats worth the effort and whats not but of course first things first set up with a hard working A player real estate agent to help you find the best deals.

Although this will be offset with affordability.

I have worked in affordable housing in NYC.