[quote=spdrun]Why not on the condo? If you’re young, better to have some other schmuck maintain the outside, pool, roof, etc than have to deal with it yourself. Paying a $250-300/mo HOA is actually a bargain unless your time is worthless.[/quote]

Because what is becoming scarce in San Diego county is land. With a SFR you own more land than a condo, and you have more control over that land. In this county, land values will go up in value faster than whatever is built on it. As a general rule, there will be exceptions of course.

There are situations where it makes sense to own a condo: if you don’t have the time, money, or health to maintain a house, then a condo makes sense.

From the OP’s post, since s/he is willing to buy a fixer and has a great income level, I don’t think those situations apply.