I know tools such as the BP calculators are available for use, but I want to learn what goes on behind the scenes to fully understand the numbers (math) and specifically what it means so i can better gain an understanding & make better investment decisions when the time comes.Any advice/ tips or tricks on analyzing deals & double checking the numbers (before proceeding with the deal? 

If you're looking for property with an investment mindset you'll be able to find a good deal that will produce income and gain equity and for a house hack property, that's a WIN!

So saying people who bought 10 years ago made a lot of money is only true if you sold not true if gains are unrealized.

CA has a law specific to 1031 exchanges, if you exchange a CA property for an out of state property and you later sell that out of state property then CA may assert the right to claw back (tax) the gain attributable to the CA property that would have been realized if it had been sold rather than exchanged at the date of the 1031 exchange.In this regard you may have annual reporting attributable to the out of state replacement property so CA can track what you have done with it.

How is that and any future equity gains handled?

I mean I know I can connect with people to help gain knowledge but just don’t want that to hurt the overall guest experience! 

Because of home prices here, our goal is less cash flow related, but really looking to gain on the appreciation as a long-term retirement strategy for us.

I will certainly gain more knowledge and mentorship before proceeding! 

Any recommendations on books to read to gain knowledge on the structure of buildings, building codes, history of buildings & how they were built, etc.Ultimately, I would like to gain a better understanding of these topics & concepts to know what to look out for when purchasing older - newer homes. 

Any recommendations on books to read to gain knowledge on the structure of buildings, building codes, history of buildings & how they were built, etc.Ultimately, I would like to gain a better understanding of these topics & concepts to know what to look out for when purchasing older - newer homes.