Eventually it all comes back, its a matter if you want to pay the bank or pay yourself- both hurt in their own ways but we bet on ourselves every time.I can say a great way is to share your specific property when you are ready and there are a lot of great advice on what a good property can do.In any case, good luck, hopefully you execute a plan!

Are you planning on living/house hack or will this be an investment/rental? 

In normal circumstances, your suggestion about avoiding a MTM lease makes perfect sense, and it's a strategy we plan to adopt in the future.

With lenders, yes if you plan to go with a conventional loan.

By the mid 90's I partnered with a couple of other individuals and developed a plan to build a rental portfolio. 

My plan is to use my VA loan for a no money down multi family.

Do you have them written down....do you have a plan?

Also in Cali, I plan to do the long distance thing.

If you require initial cash flow, San Diego may not be the right market   However if you plan to hold long term, few markets have produced better return on residential RE.Good luck

There's nothing secret about plans.