Thanks so much for the insight here, Sheila! It is so inspiring and eye-opening to see how different people have successfully structured real estate portfolios like yours and managed to do so in expensive areas!

I've actually looked into the San Diego area because #1 we love it and #2 there are actually some great values on properties - we came very close to buying one a couple years ago as a rental property and also contemplated moving down there, since there are so many new luxury apartment buildings, so a great place to rent where you live and own where you rent out (that was our plan).

But I've also thought about a little tiny home on wheels that we could park by our favorite beaches hahaha. Ocean views and sound financials are sadly hard to come by (when they're not on wheels). Perhaps a lot that will appreciate in value and on which we can build is the ideal choice to avoid the $3M minimum price tag of homes here - though last we checked, even lots where we've looked are in the $1 to $2M range and scarcely available.

Patience is probably the hardest part and "starting small and building over time" like you've said. Most people don't make their first real estate purchase a cliffside home in Corona del Mar, but unfortunately, once you've seen them, buying anything that pales in comparison feels like a bit of a letdown for the money you still have to pay.