The bigger companies, truly see you as another number in their pipeline and not as a client.

Fortunately lenders are starting to seeing the bigger picture and comp these additions more in-line with multi-family, rather than SFH which it is. 7842 Lasaine Ave, Northridge.

These days too many people have too little coverage in case of a rebuild so you do want to make sure you understand the true cost of a total loss.

It's simply factual:  you violated the lease by smoking, stop it, remove the resulting odor and that a repeat action could result in eviction and loss of security deposit.  

Start simple or go all in on a multifamily if you have the capital to support potential losses.

I recognize there are other ways I could invest this cash (including another property) but I am being mindful of levering myself out too much in the current environment where job losses are more common in my industry (tech).

As a investment property lender we saw a lot of success with flips but an even bigger jump in BRRRR success with borrowers holding as long term and short term rentals. 

Before bigger pockets moved the rent estimator to pro users only it estimated rent to be around $975 I don't know or have anything to go by but I thought that was high.

You have a bigger loan, but not a bigger tax basis.

.- Additionally, you can track income and expenses consistently using software or spreadsheets.If you track everything, you could show a loss and use that to offset other earned income (such as a W2) which will net you a bigger refund.