Would my best bet be to invest with another single family?

As far as the structure TIC will probably be your best bet, but you should always consult with an attorney. 

Your best bet would be to contact the governing authorities directly in the geographic market you are interesting in purchasing your first property.  

That said, I think you bet against Cali and the Cali real estate market at your own peril(and to head off the 'well why do you live there then?'. 

Smells like fish...I’m betting the return is a “20% annualized rate”....less than 1.5%.  

I bet that will have a lot of great points for wholesalers.   

That would hedge my bet on how I decide to use my funds in the future-I could max out my 401K and if I wanted to turn around a year or two from now and invest in real estate, I could hypothetically just pull the money back out-as long as I know I can pay it back..If I decide not to invest with everything I have in my 401K, then it can just sit right where it is...Thank you for explaining that this is a possibility!

I'll bet very few.

I'll bet if you talk and ask around at those types of meetings you'll find someone that will be able to give you more detailed help that is specific to your area. 

Again attorney would be your best bet to give more guidance.