First, you have rents that are as close to guaranteed as possible.  2nd, the tenants do have to qualify for your "published" standards. 

Meals may be 50% deductible if tied to business discussions, and if you drive, you could deduct the mileage at the standard rate.

It seems to be a need in the area and its much cheaper than a standard motel for a month.

You can also use what is classified as a “Standard” stamp and as mention a machine presort stamp.  

I'd love to get info/opinions on whether there is a "standard" amount of time to increase rents in the Bay Area for Single Family Homes.How do property management companies/landlords handle rent increases for existing renters? 

If after adding the additional monthly recurring costs (electricity, gas, water, internet, insurance, lawn care, snow plowing, etc.) to the standard long-term costs (Mortgage, taxes, regular insurance, etc.) the property won't net at least $100 if I can get the average rent I see on FF for that area, then the property isn't worth more investigation.

Historically, the standard fundamental was that your going-in cap rate should be higher than LONG TERM, FIXED rate interest.  

It is very hard to generate money with sub-standard real estate in the long run, capex tends to exceed cash flow and you are not creating meaningful equity either.As long as your properties are financed cash flow will be maybe not nothing, but indeed be quite limited.

But you'd always want to talk to the city right away (or county) and find out the development standards for the zoning that the lot is in (what are the setbacks, height limit, min lot size, etc).

Here are standard terms as of today:2 points10.49% - 12% rates75% - 90% LTC100% rehab included up to 75% of ARV