The market supply has had a surplus meaning they are sitting longer and "stockpiling", nothing crazy but it is noticeable in the chart.

Rooming houses usually don't get to take advantage of sporting events, concerts, festivals that usually result in spikes in rental fees and more profits ( and glory) that AirBnb and other STRs get to.

Phase #1 - Recovery  - characterized by high vacancy rates and no new construction- rent, during this phase, is flat or declining- owners offer rent concessions to avoid their property occupancy rate from  decliningPhase #2 - Expansions- characterized by declining vacancy and the start of new construction- occupancy improves, concessions are not being offered, and rental rates being to growPhase #3 - Hyper Supply - characterized by new construction and vacancy rates beginning to rise - rental rates begin to grow at a slow rate- rent concession are being offerred due to the new construction in the area [in the hope of retaining current renters]Phase #4 - Recession - characterized by the completion of construction and a decline in occupancy rates - concessions are abundant to avoid high move-out rates Here are some foundational truths about optimizing your investments:#1 sow seeds of success in the down times - "The season of failure is the best time for sowing seeds of success."

Ditch FM radio, and/or sport radio, and start in hard on the podcasts. 

I think you need to sign up on Meet Up and RSVP: Tuesday, Nov. 12 Walnut Creek  at Rotator Taproom 6pm (short notice - it's tomorrow)Thursday, Nov. 21 Oakland at Two Pitchers Brewing Company (hosted by Tyler Jahnke of Kenji Capital)Saturday, Nov. 23 Tilden Nature Area, Berkeley hike at 10am (hosted by Tyler Jahnke of Kenji Capital)Thursday Nov. 14 San Francisco - Happy Hour/Networking at Alchemist Bar and LoungeTuesday, Nov 19   San Francisco - 100% Funding for your Deal (Sports Basement at Stonestown Galleria mall)https://www.meetup.com/bayarearei/events/304151177

Rent out to roommates so I employ the "rent by the room" essentially.Pros:insane cash flowif your room offer is much better value than other places to live, tenants will stay awhilea small community can be built when your tenants become friends with eachothernever ending supply of tenants (at least in my area)Cons:CAN BE management intensiveWILL BE management intensive until you gain experience and know how to manageIf you employ this strategy, the BIGGEST risk/liability mitigator is being VERY clear from the start about your expectations and that you will evict if new tenant doesn't follow your rules.With my setup - I furnish the rooms and have all utilities covered. 

Stop hanging out with your deadbeat buddies who spend all day drinking, talking sports, and otherwise wasting away.

Any tips or tricks on how to source fixtures and finishings or general construction supplies?

Ultimately, what drives real estate values is supply and demand and the income you can derive from those properties.

My four adult children are out of the house; so, below are goals for our 11 year old and me.Read 15 minutes per day and log it.Set limit on daily electronic use.Clean up after himself (toys, push chair in, dishes, clean bedroom, clean car).He plays sports and has a few tough baseball goals that he works with me on (inside/out swing, pitching mechanics, 3B fielding).