You aren't going to have success finding the right agent because you are taking something that is outside of your control (the new settlement) and already trying to figure out how to get the best service for less.

You need to prepare for these operational cost increases that are out of your control.

Patience would have avoided a lot of the current pain.Syndication investments are long-term, illiquid investments completely out of your control.  

Investing in condos still works for a lot of people, but they come with unique pluses and minuses so make sure to add those and HOAs to the list of things you're researching and determine if that's something you'd be willing to do or if you want to wait until you can get something you have more control over.

Can they even be evicted if in rent controlled apartment in non owner occupied?

I wouldn't consider investing until you have zero debt, complete control over your finances, and money saved up for the purchase.

I'm an HVAC contractor and I just had to order a simple $100 control board and it took two weeks to arrive.

How much will pest and termite control cost monthly?

In that sense, all the money is under my control and only affects us taxwise.

Investing in real estate isn't all about buying property it's all about creating and controlling your own future.