She is an extremely competent Realtor that saves and/or earns her clients more money with an attention to detail on every deal from start to finish.

The problem is that All properties in an area are relative in value, so when I would go to purchase another house, I wouldn’t actually gain anything because it would cost just as much to buy another house as I just sold the one for. 

Since I have started paying attention around 4 years ago, my market has seen real vacancy rates in the low to mid 3% range... your market will obviously be different. 

I want to gain financial freedom by investing in real estate.

I want to do the fix and hold strategy (BRRRR) and looking to gain knowledge and wisdom from those who use this method in the SF market or even fix and flippers.

They could have homes to sell and/or want to learn the area while gaining the confidence that the job is secure and they like the area ......So, the perfect option is to rent for a couple of years. 

There is a similar thread for negative cash flow which has gained a lot of traction in the forums: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/698492-negative-cashflow-on-rental-property.

Most people who buy existing homes use this strategy especially to avoid a short term capital gain. 

Lots of insights gained with that question. 

If you have difficulty finding a position initially, try and find a position as a Processor or Loan Officer Assistant, get some experience for a year or so, and stay on the lookout for new MLO openings as you gain experience!