I’m not full time, and have no desire to live there permanently — I’m just there frequently and see opportunity in the property market there 🙂
Honestly, not sure if I’ll end up playing with rentals there or in NYC area. Both are good markets — NYC area has better cap rates, whereas SoCal is more frothy and has more chance for appreciation when the stupids create another Bubble.
The other thing that scares me and is dissuading me is that the properties with good cash flow in the SD area seem to be mainly condos (from what I’ve seen). A lot of the condos are in not so hot financial shape, which makes financing them with reasonable terms a bear. Whereas out East, there are quite a few small multi-families with 8+% cap rates for the picking. No condo association, fewer financing issues.