It is 1% to 4% low for the normal range in San Diego.  

Ultra-low interest rates and quite low RE prices.

Our job market is strong, property taxes are relatively low, and the economy overall is still pulling people in.

I do interview agents and prefer one that will give it to me straight... my current realtor I interviewed for a solid hour, but clearly I need to still need to work on due diligence and interviewing skills.   

Ask to speak with some of their current owners and current/former tenants.

I currently use Apartments.com and Stessa, but I’m trying to consolidate everything into one platform.

Great question.This will depend on where in Manhattan AND how long the tenants have lived in the unit.I've heard of buyouts as low as $15-20K and as high as well above 6-figures.To put things in perspective, I had a friend who's parents were allegedly offered $200K+ to vacate a 2-bedroom apartment in LES BACK IN 2006/2007!

If my calculations are right, I should have around $20,000 saved by the time I’m ready to buy, which should make a small multifamily possible using a low down-payment loan.I might house hack if I end up in a cheaper market, but there’s also a chance I stay in my current state and manage the property from afar.

Lenders use credit heavily, so start here.Build (or confirm) a 3–6 month emergency reserve separate from your down-payment fund — lenders like to see reserves, and you’ll need cash for turn costs.Track your true monthly budget (income + non-housing expenses) so you know the exact amount you can afford for mortgage + repairs + vacancy.2) Down payment & assistance options (2–8 weeks — explore)As an owner-occupant you have a few low-down options for 2–4 unit homes: FHA allows 2–4 unit purchases with as little as 3.5% down (you must occupy one unit).

The current RE scraps have little interest.