From a marketing perspective, you may want to consider an impact investing approach.

There's very little inventory below $200k so it makes sense to rent a nice apartment until you can afford to purchase a more expensive home.Convenience is another factor with impact.

A clairmont duplex will likely exceed your va limits....but i think those rules are being changed...so i could be wrongjust saw an interview on smartersandiego youtube on the ninth regarding new va loan rules.Agent alanna strei....coldwell banker la jolla was the guestWatch it...might directly impact you

It's totally up to you but if the market/property did crash lets say $50K how would that impact you?

Depending on the loan type, (FHA vs Conventional vs VA, etc.) your rates would not be impacted once you move out but you may have an obligatory minimum timeframe you have to have the duplex as your primary address. 

However, the contract also  was written where change orders due to the builder fault would also negatively impact the homeowner.

Owners of 20+ have earned their stripes and are more likely to have experience or capital, either of which can soften the impact of negative events. 

So, cost vs new floor plan and the impact on the value.

My wife and I have a fundamental belief that building wealth increases our ability to impact the lives of others and give back to our local community.

The great thing is that REI usually gets the softest impact if you are properly prepared.