I’m a W-2 employee in a high income tax state.

I originally posted on reddit saying I had 20k cash to my name but very very low expenses and a high risk tolerance.

Everything is highly individualistic and there isn’t a “right or wrong”, but what works best for you and your situation. 1) what is your ultimate goal for your ideal investment property?

I’m working with a property manager who says they never use dehumidifiers for the high maintenance but shouldn’t I be worried about mold in the basement?

Some will puff their chest shelling out a high number of investors.  

High crime, high vacancy rate, bad schools, abandoned real estate everywhere.

Looking at the pictures it looks like it's not something that will be a fix, but will require a renovation. 

Inventory continues to be the biggest factor in keeping prices high throughout San Diego county.If you are one of the many buyers on hold due to interest rates, a good alternative is asking the seller to credit you for a 3-2-1 or 2-1 rate buy down.

I've learned that managing rentals has a high degree of variability and operator's needs. 

I would highly recommend getting in contact with Anderson Business Advisors to help you work through all the above questions.