If you buy in a war zone, you'll get crap tenants and 0% appreciation. 

My background as a prior military member has instilled in me a sense of discipline, strategic planning, and a keen understanding of risk management.While I’m aware that financial contributions are often key in partnerships, I’m curious about what other skills and perspectives I can bring.

@William CoetIt's much easier to raise capital from investors, especially foreign investors, when you mention cities like NY, Miami, LA.

I cut costs,  maximized efficiencies, raised rents accordingly (that alone will increase my cash flow this year by about $1,000 per month); and streamlined landscaping/pest control/rehab work and on. 

I was raised by "Poor Dad (parents)" who taught me those concepts growing up, and is still mostly their values, but they were also lucky enough to have lived in a time where that worked well enough for them as they retired with a very nice nest egg.

Over time, they raised prices, cut the lead amounts, and had their Internal telemarketing team make the first contact and then tried to "warm connect" us.

I think you are looking for the % rents can be raised under the Oakland rent control laws. 

I have six kids, lots of fun having them, but the real work comes in raising them.

Families were still staying in hotels, not aware that for around the same price, they could be in a private home with a pool. 

That makes me think that landlords see that and are influenced to raise rents to that number.