This has been our dream for the past four years and as we start this journey together I realized there are so many unforeseen battles that will rage on and beat you down on flips, especially when you tackle vacant homes and decide to bring them back to life!

Adding to this factor is the fact that real estate development in San Francisco is an uphill battle (politically and economically).

Pick your battles on this one.   

Shots fired, streets closed off, SWAT team there for a hostage situation.And just further north in Woodlawn a gun battle with CPD and some bad guys. 

So in the mean time these battles will be fought in courts and legislatures but eventually STRs will win. 

Do I have recourse or as you suggested, it'd be an uphill battle?

Let the great cashflow vs appreciation battle begin...My opinion is to define your goals first.

As a Real Estate Development, I have primarily focused on construction; managing construction budgets, dealing with contractors, and fighting the battles no one else wants to battle. 

Pick you battles....... is it worth the hassle over letting them walk 3 months early?

But the battle continues.