Not much expected growth.

Yes there are many "handyman" skills that are quite easy.The better skill is how quickly you can identify if the task is "handyman easy" vs call a pro.There is an opportunity cost to your time, especially when the task becomes more complicated than it first seemed.The problem is that by the time we figure that out we are so far into it we might as well just finish!

The self directed IRA, as mentioned above, was what came to mind first.Also, I understand that the contribution amounts of a Roth IRA (not the growth from IRA investments) can be withdrawn tax and penalty free. 

I cannot do the labor or tasks better, faster, or cheaper than what my property manager can. 

At the end of that hold period, you should already have a decent amount of equity due to CA's average annual growth rates, and if San Diego continues to flood with new residents (it was ranked the 8th fastest growing city in 2018), that decent amount of equity could grow to a sizeable chunk of change.

I've spent 20 years in construction, taking projects from blueprint stage and ground level- to turn key; and ready for the next leap into building a business focused on investments, networking, ROI growth and partnerships in commercial, residential, and multi-family units. 

And when you secure a house to to a first position secured line of credit, it is even less of a no 'brainer' - maybe he won't give you 75% of the appraised value, maybe just 100k - about 30 pct - until you grow the relationship. 

I know prices are up here, but sitll looks like a strong growth area

With those funds - I purchased (in full with cash), numerous investment properties.I focus on nice-sized condos or townhouses in high demand areas with good equity growth.

That is a large increase in demand and population, given the size of the market.The population growth and diminishing developable land almost guarantees price and rental rates increases.