Some Bay Area investors I know are: house hacking, rent by the room, mid-term rentals, STR (depending on your location AirBnbs may not work).

It depends on how long you plan on holding the property for.

What banks will do just depends on the bank, and your relationship with that bank.

It will depend on the quality you're looking for..

You may consider terminating the lease depending on how much time remains, your skills, the legal system, and other factors.Based on what you've said, I am concerned there's someone else occupying the home or something else is going on.

It also depends what type of neighborhood you're buying in though as well.

Originally posted by @Tyler Jahnke:my monthly cash flow would be $375-$400 per month, depending on how conservative I am on expenses.

If you want to move assets off shore those assets may or may not be subject to collection depending on the country.  

I don't work on houses, but I have to use B and A-basis values for material strength which in effect means the real material will end up being 20%+ stronger (depend on the material).  

I completely understand your frustration — property management can be a hit or miss depending on the company.