Great question...ignore those who harshly pass judgment.

I'm surprised that no one has responded here regarding the harsh rent control environment in Oakland, and the limitations on what LL can ask an applicant for your unit.   

This business harshly punishes people who don't have reserves.

Sorry to be harsh, but that's how you're coming across here.

Soon, they say, the short-term rental policy will change harshly - I'll be able to rent out for only 90 days a year or pay more taxes.

You can check that out, though the terms are harsh and you won't cash flow (probably negative CF) until after the loan is paid off, but for some it's worth it to grab up cheap inventory.

I'm an amateur myself, had to face harsh realities diving into the market. 1% rule is barely obtainable, but it still personally makes sense for me, because I also work here in JC and dont have a car.

We have all reached the point that we judge service providers more harshly than we used to.

He's putting in place harsh tax laws for property owners because he deems that people who make money from real estate "didn't work to get that money", that's a direct quote from him.

Sorry if I was harsh but I had to speak my heart out.