I know NOTHING about car motors.

Even minor policy shifts can have big effects on the economy, markets, and investments, which makes this one of the riskiest variables to anticipate.

Let’s see how this market and the economy holds up.  

A lot of people love the idea of real estate so they choose to flip houses (which is a business not very different to a used car lot) to generate money, so they have some to invest in buy&hold.

California certainly doesn't make some things easy but it is amazing the number of people will say "I will never buy in CA" or "will never do business in CA" when it is the 4th largest economy in the world as you said.  

Multifamily properties tend to offer better cash flow and economies of scale, so if you’re looking to scale your portfolio, that might be a smart move in the long term If you’re not sure which direction to take, I’d be happy to connect and chat more.

Although I hear there are favorable terms for buying new builds as rentals I don't see that in my area and instead tend to think of new builds like new cars.

I may drive up and live out of my car for a few days.

Government shut down, tariff supreme court decision, economy etc.

No heavy rehabs.Use private money or short-term capital to acquire them.Structure that private money to be paid off within about 5 years - smaller loan, faster payback.Then sell the property on terms using seller financing with a 30-year note to a family who wants to own, not rent.The buyer makes fixed monthly payments for 30 years.After the private money is paid off in year five, the income continues for another 25 years - steady, predictable, and debt-free.In simple terms:You’re financing like a car loan but selling like a mortgage.The result is a portfolio of free-and-clear homes that still send monthly payments for decades, without renters, maintenance calls, or refinance risk.Why it works:Shorter debt horizon = faster path to financial freedom.Selling as-is means no rehab costs or turnovers.Owner-occupants take care of the property.Payments are consistent and long-term.It’s not about leverage.