Oakland, Berkeley, San Diego the rules will likely be, or has already been,  changed mid game so the 15 year limit is not reality.  

Thus, putting the money into something is the name of the game, when my Hard Money Note matures.

Others will get financially damaged or emotionally damage and they are out of the game.. 

Its a numbers game. 

I've found the same when using pricing tools, but I've heard from others that it's been a game changer for their business...

Right now I house hack, but am looking to properly get in the game by end of next year, so I'm trying to be prepared.

Oops, game over, you lost.

I currently house hack in Chicago, however, going from that to STRs where I cannot self manage is a different ball game and just wanting to pick peoples brains who are doing what I'm interested in doing.  

Glad you enjoyed even if your end game is different. 

Why don't you share your info and your background and how many deals you have done in the land game.