Can I write off BOTH the moving truck that I will hire AND my entire cross-country road trip (hotels, meals, supplies, etc.) to get my car there?

Michael,I would suggest you reach out to local investors there in the SF area and ask to grab a coffee, a beer or a meal. 

With 25% down conventional (full income verification) even with 2+ units rates should be healthier..I wouldn’t suggest investing on the rate so much as the quality of property and analysis.

In all my years of LLing I think I've seen it maybe once or twice that the DR was set up as a formal place to sit down and have a meal.

Like business travel/meals, etc?

Even in my primo areas, you don't get top dollar you do get a really primo city though.In regards to this, the risk is likely not worth it unless the operator has a successful track record, puts a healthier deposit, and signs waivers to own all liability.

Personally, I never invested with anyone that I haven't met with in person, and had at least a drink or a meal with them to get a sense for who they are.

Rather than cut the price and show less earnings for sales, they simply take it in the expense end and give you free or $1 meals in addition to your normal order.

If so, I'd like to invite you to a FREE meal on me!

If you go and order a meal don't you expect and demand them to deliver what was ordered not cow manure on a plate?