Also, if you move in for last 2/3 years, the amount of time  that you rented is known as non-qualified period thus, entire gain can’t be shielded with sec 121 exclusion that you mentioned.

The price points are much lower in Arizona than in California, thus the barrier of entry is lower and the risk as to the amount of possible loss is much lower too.In some markets, it is much easier to find properties that make good investments.

I am also saving a defined amount of money to meet a "raise money" goal in 5 years.

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bp The second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

I have it posted on Zillow Rental Manager and have gotten a decent amount of leads from Trulia and Zillow, none from Hot Pads. 

Hey BP,I’ve done an extensive amount of research before starting my first flip-doesAnyone have a reliable titleCompany, attorney and cpa forYour flips?

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bpThe second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

This is specific to single family homes, so you could definitely lower these amounts, especially CapEx, for a condo where most of the major expenses will be covered by your HOA.  

I'm young and don't mind "working" for the extra amount. 

The wife and I are looking at this property tonight, not as a rental, but as a potential new primary residence for us and our children:https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/12161-E-French-...It's not perfect for our family style, but it does have a nice amount of space.