Like it or not real estate speculators are in no short supply in California, outbidding shelter buyers.

I brought cleaning supplies, boxes and bags to them on Wed and said I would be back that Fri. 

It may be a good idea to just try and build up a savings account as well as get a steady job and in your spare time go to real estate investing meetings or 'clubs' in your local area in order to learn from experienced investors in your area!

there is plenty of demand for it, just no supply. 

There are some great B-class communities in Baltimore City and Baltimore County that provide steady cash flow.  

Im looking to possibly start off part time as the income is less than steady obviously, but i don't want to waste my time at a job that i can not leverage a skill or experience that will help me in the career path i want to travel down.

Once I fulfill the Owner-Occupant requirement, I could move out and rinse and repeat, to which hopefully by then I'll have enough steady income from my properties to qualify for a loan. 

I was wondering if the market there is still pretty steady around the $350,000 range?

My 'why' is my family, the ability to spend more time with them, and providing us with a steady stream of passive income to support our lifestyle. 

I'm hoping that in having a steady job and a real estate license on the side for extra income here and there, that will help my chances to qualify for more loans. 2016 seems to be my educational year where I learn everything I can about this business, lay my financial foundations and get things started soon after that.