Should you choose not to renew your current lease you will only have to pay the difference of the last month’s rent you originally paid. 1750-1495= $255.Current Rent: $1,750Increase: $119New Rent Rate: $1,869This increase takes effect the 1st day of November, 2023.We’ve been happy with you as a tenant and hope you continue to stay with us for a long time.

I continued paying what I had paid before, with the additional money purely going to principal.The recast to a lower amount was purely to reduce my committed monthly payment to a point that I could get my property to cash flow if I had to move out (job loss, etc).

By continuing to support a system which has stolen millions of homes from American people, for your own profit,  you are a part of the problem.  

I think they will continue to see success in their niche but they should be careful about letting these issues become too commonplace.  

I know it seems like a tough task, but can you spend a few more months or a year while you continue to learn to really tighten the budget or find ways to earn a little extra to start from a stronger position?

I think as people are able to choose to work places that have better weather places like Cleavland will continue to decline.

STRs continue to be a scapegoat for a lot of the housing affordability issues in Denver, Colorado Springs and elsewhere in the state, so it wouldn't surprise me if someone brought it up again. 

There are no write-offs for decpreciation, no continuous rent payments and so on.I appreciate your reply. 

Assuming the Oakland rental market continues to remain stagnant/competitive with newer buildings going up, is property appreciation the only way to increasing wealth with my building?

Focus on cash flow to align with your long-term goal of a remote ranch, and continuously educate yourself while networking to identify opportunities and partnerships.