My question is (because of FHA rules), would it be more beneficial to invest in a condo in San Diego at 3.5% down now, live in it for a year and rent it out and leave?

I live in San Francisco and plan on purchasing it in Los Angeles. 

Either the current tenants' leases didn't expire but rather converted to a periodic tenancy (Month To Month here) and they have been rolling with that for a long time OR they have established Tenancy at Will by continuing to live in the property and pay rent. 

Currently, there are a few ways to house hack in the Denver metro area and still live for free depending on your level of comfort.1) Rent by Room - personally, my favorite strategy, you buy a large house, live in one room, and rent out the other rooms.

It's a wider door that leads from living room to bedroom.

Two factors that stood out to us was a beautiful willow tree outback and an open concept living area.

I have another client where his family live in one unit and rents out the other on a month to month basis.

You don't need an attorney to go to small claims court, although it might be worth a quick talk with one to figure out the legalities of the situation where you live. 

I’m sure in the following 23 years I would have been able to build up at least a $10M portfolio with a ton of owner financed deals and some traditionally financed properties as well given how inexpensive properties were then where I live.

I live in the Grand Rapids area as well.