A very politically liberal environment which frowns on making any changes to that boundary.  

I would venture to say in the more liberal counties in MD you would likely get in trouble for requiring proof, and in the more conservative counties you probably would not.But putting aside the proof aspect of it is a service animal or not....it is definitely a no no on the deposit.

If I was to bet on appreciation alone, it would seem a bit risky here, yah I may hit a jackpot, but rely on luck is a bad strategy (in my opinion) - since I don't have experience in RE, I would like to minimize my risk, and do investment instead of speculation.Maybe I didn't look at enough in California, or just don't really know where and how to look for area that cash-flow (Fresno, Bakerfield?)

Oakland actually has a fairly liberal tax valuation.

Quick point about the questions regarding your prospective rental property you made a couple days ago, I would be a little more liberal on your expenses.

I guess Im one of those "lying", "old white rich conservatives", liberals love to hate.

I haven't watched TV news for about 12 years and get more news from liberal sources than any organization with a conservative leaning.People are allowed to rent to whomever they choose.

Where you will get burned by investments is being too liberal with your underwriting or anticipating huge appreciation or CF year over year. 

I think I hit the jackpot on this one

I think the liberal governments in Washington and Oregon believe it's evil for anyone to make a profit.