If you only plan on owning 2-4 properties, then there's really no harm in self-funding them unless you know a better, safer way to make more than the going interest rate on that money (most investment mortgages right now are about 7%, maybe effectively 5.5-6% after taxes depending on your brackets and tax structure).

It’s easy to find tenants, population/jobs are increasing, and property taxes/insurance aren’t skyrocketing. 

While cashing out more equity might seem appealing, it will result in a lower cash-on-cash return due to the higher rate and LTV.

I don't believe your mileage or due diligence expenses on other properties can be deducted since you did not have a business yet or any properties in service. 

You make this election when filing your federal income tax return.

Indicative price around $1.1M, which would be a loss, with tax around 2% potentially 20k/year.

Since you have lived in the property for two out of the previous five years you could take the first $500k of the gain tax free (as a married couple).

It's not due to pricing, it's due to seller stubbornness and agent gatekeeping.

It is a tough buy and hole RE market everywhere but markets like San Francisco are particularly challenging in the short term due to the poor cash flow (negative cash flow).  

For properties that are listed for auction and have no appraised value, these are tax lien auctions.