I have four children and I want to have financial freedom.

That being said, I would attempt to BRRRR a condo, with a 3.5-5% FHA loan, house-hack for 2 years so that I have the freedom to sell and avoid short term capital gains tax if desired, or hold and 1031 down the road.Originally, I was not keen on the idea of a condo, due to:1) HOA complexities and fees 2) the challenge of achieving cash flow that breaks even or nets positive (my expectation at this point is that I would not be breaking even)    - I am not ecstatic about this idea because I feel like I could be saving that additional capital for a next investment.However, I see it as an equity building + appreciation play, where in the worst case situation (say a market downturn), I could rent the condo out, given it is in an area where rent demand will be stable, and then choose to sell/exchange when the market has recovered.I know investing out of state is an option, but specifically here I am trying to answer the question, how can I invest in San Diego? 

If I choose to buy their homes I have the freedom to treat them as flips, assignments, or buy and holds.  

It is apparent that the motivator in real estate investing is gaining financial freedom.

Tom Wheelwright does a good job explaining this in his book Tax-Free WealthRelax, take deep breath, and start taking the first steps to financial freedom.

Here's to working towards financial freedom!!!

That is not freedom. 

I want to achieve that financial freedom and not worry about being in an office.Good luck on your endeavors Isaac 

This is what it's like with no mentor, just fishing around in the dark.Many investors get started and quickly getting pigeon-holed into a particular strategy of how they want to get to their eventual goal, which, for most, is financial freedom. 

I do not know if you use a software, however, buildium is relatively inexpensive and it gives you a ton of freedom as a landlord.