Have you considered renting instead of buying? Getting anything in a good neighborhood with good schools and less than 30 minutes commute to la jolla and downtown for less than 550k at this time seems like a tall order to me. If you rented, you might be able to find a place that would work for you.
Also if you rented, you would get a better idea of commutes, neighborhoods and schools, which would allow you to figure out what you are willing to compromise on.
I’m also assuming you want a house. If you are willing to take a condo, you might be able to find something in the 500k price range.
