The reality for me is that I have little capital to start and it hasn't helped watching a million gurus on social media talk about the "ease" of utilizing OPMs.

For example, if rates drop below 6% many more buyers will enter the market putting more pressure on demand and raising prices while owners with 3% ish rates won't sell until rates go to at or below 5%.

With the drop in interest rates and the easing of the Fed's interest rate policies, there's an anticipation of a more favorable lending environment which allows investors and home buyers to be more considerate of buying properties.

I plan to ease my way into REI by renting out my current house (with those COVID-interest rates!)

As mentioned, the process was really smooth and their service is top notch.Yes you are paying a premium for the product, but the benefit is the ease of mind. 

When the population starts to complain, the government clamps down on foreigners until the sentiment eases up.

The ease of buying and selling real estate wouldn't exist without NAR and MLS.Either way, this is like someone suing attorneys for charging a base of $250 an hour as "That's what they charge" and then a jury finding the attorneys liable for price-fixing.

For ease of math let's assume the LTV for the Oakland property is a meager 50%, or $385,000.

I can sell property whenever I choose not being pressured to buy another.

Also NEVER use a pressure sensitive glue unless you are using it as a wet set which is a permanent install.