If you experienced monthly losses, (about $1k), and live in it for 1 year to qualify the property as my primary residence, is it worth it?

Regardless with 25% down and a 3.25% rate (I'm hoping a 30yr conventional since its for your residence) and with your current buying power you are all set for San Diego.

Hello Patrick,I am new also and reside not to far from you.  

Since I was in Texas and planned on staying there, I found out that I was qualified to take a test and get a real estate broker license so I took the test and got my license.  

FHA is not just for FTHB.FHA often takes issue with using departing residence rental income to qualify. 

Well, the only good news I can bring to this thread is that real estate probably has the lowest barrier to entry of any form of investing that'll get you "1%er" like tax breaks. 1031 exchanges.Capital gains exclusion on selling a primary residence that has appreciated in value.Mortgage credit certificates.

Are you looking for a Single family residence (SFR) rental or a multi-family?

And both say primary residence or second home only, no investment properties. 

I'm not sure if you can refi a VA loan though if your not living in it because you would have to sign the VA document again that states you intended to make this your primary residence, which is not true since you have renters in it.

Since I was in Texas and planned on staying there, I found out that I was qualified to take a test and become a real estate broker, so I took the test and got a license but I never did that full time.Regardless of what I had, I felt more comfortable in the construction business.