I guess if you don’t plan on having kids, a condo would be ok, but if you harbor any desire to have a family, then detached homes in Encinitas are a better way to go. I can just picture you wanting a yard for the kids to play, so you’d move. Then you would have to unload the condo, because it’s likely at today’s prices or even one year out, costs, it will never cashflow as a rental. Unless you have a huge downpayment very few people would pay $3500 month to rent a condo.
Another option is to look at a Duplex, as there are plenty of decent ones over in Park Place. At least there you’ll have a full driveway, and two-car garage. I have seen several decent size duplexes sitting on Lake for quite awhile. 4 BR types if I am not mistaken, but I haven’t paid attention recently to see if those have sold.