I predict that after the overblown hysteria of it dies down and people realize they now have enough toilet paper to last them an entire year, everything will go back to normal. 

Thorough screening helps but nothing can predict for a statewide closure of businesses.

Sounds like you'll be stuck not cash flowing for a long time if you do not get out anytime soon, and you/we cannot predict what the next 5 years looks like in real estate/US economy. 

What they can’t predict is vacancy.

No one can predict the future, all you can do is plan for a less-than-perfect one.

I just read an article in Forbes that predicts the uptick in short term rentals being used for family vacations where people can still "get away" and not have to travel via airlines and stay in hotels, but still have a nice place to stay. 

If you try to predict too far out you will sit on the sidelines.

@David Faulkner, I've read that investing in the bay is all about appreciation, which I couldn't count on or predict, but luckily have had.

. - Avoid making predictions of the future, regardless of the direction the market is headed.

Having that paycheck for a few years will be very helpful in obtaining loans and will allow you to grow your real estate business at a predictable pace, while ensuring that you (and your family) can eat while doing so.