Attempting to absorb as much as I can to eventually buy my first house-hack by the end of the year.I would really appreciate some advice on the following topics:- Finding a good loan officer- Finding a good realtor - Any local networking events- General advice on where to start- SF is primarily old constructions (a lot under 1920s).

It is a business, so run it like one, as @Tom S. said, start the process and follow through.Unfortunately you're in a Blue state so this will be more difficult for you, so yes get a lawyer if they don't respond immediately to your 'pay or quit' notice.Don't take any more partial payments, that will delay your case!

Those small costs add up and they do not follow though with holding security, or communicating with tenant as I would like but play God rather in deciding how to apply the law.

I think the worst are the ones that will say they can do something for you or bring something to you then do nothing at all/fail to follow up or stay in touch (lack systems, organizational skills, and actual work to produce).

Then the following year rent it long term for 10 years and sell it for no bonus depreciation recapture?

Follow-up with a letter informing them of the same so they have it in writing.

I think it is an awesome program because of the following. - Must be on a new construction home - Must be under $450k (which can be hard to do on new construction here) - Also protects against deflation by saying if the equity upon sale is less than $20k, only 50% of the equity needs to be paid back.

The listing agreement must include the following:* The agreement's valid date (must be signed within the past 30 days)* Brokerage and agent representing the owner* Signature from both parties entering the agreement* Full property address (including the unit number, if applicable)* Terms stating that you have exclusive permission from the owner to rent/lease the property"The problem is I am not a realtor or broker. 

At a bare minimum, I would consider filing a complaint with the state licensing board, but only if you have written evidence (email, text, letter, etc.) showing that you instructed them to install security and they failed to follow your instructions.

Properties meeting at least one of the following criteria will not be eligible for Citizens Personal Residential Multiperil coverage:Rented to guests more than three times in a calendar year for periods of less than 30 days or one calendar month, whichever is lessAdvertised or held out to the public as a place regularly rented to guests