Housing sentiment improves, sort of.

I think the uptick in traffic definitely shows the common sentiment these days that it's important for MTRs and STRs to stand out as much as possible and that extra amenities can really make a difference in traffic/success

While your sentiment is correct with listing the property as soon as you can (possibly even day one) if it's not ready for rent, it won't matter. 

We are constantly in the news, in the MJS and public opinion is swinging to an anti-landlord sentiment.

I know there is an "anti-agent" sentiment on the boards, but if you can find a "good one," it can be a real benefit. 

There is lots of negative sentiment towards syndications currently.

The same sentiment was 5x worse from people who did not live or invest in the Bay Area but felt they were somehow “uniquely qualified” to opine on the Bay Area market especially how it was a horrible place to live and had a dark future ahead.

Over the past two years my sentiment has changed.

There are many things that counter your sentiment of concern of investing in the current capital market environment. 

I share your sentiment, but I had a friend who paid 25-30k for a mentorship program, and now he is the underwriter doing syndication deals and he has his mentor double checking everything he does before the deal even gets started to make sure the underwriting is good, and the deal makes sense.