[quote=SDEaves]Thank you so much for your detailed advice, it’s been extremely helpful. Also, thank you to everyone else’s advice as well- we are taking notes! Our price range is not very much, up to 360k.[/quote]
In that case, consider my original recommendation of 91941 and add 92045 (Lemon Grove), off Massachusetts directly under SR-94 from LM. There are some “double-deep lots” in LM around there. LM, Lemon Grove and Spring Valley are in the same Elementary School District. The SR-125 is free (not a toll road) all the way down to SR-54. For this reason, Spring Valley may be a consideration for you since it has bigger houses/lots in your price range and is easily accessible to SR-125.
You likely won’t be able to buy a SFR in the City of SD unless you buy a heavy fixer, a house too small for 3 kids or a house in 92113, 92114 or (possibly 92139) which are further away.
Good luck! I’m not sure of available inventory right now.
There’s nothing wrong with continuing to rent, either, and saving up a bigger downpayment or getting all your kids in school so your spouse could work (at least pt time) and bring in more income.
