Looking for further knowledge and excited to be on the forum!

A lawyer might be able to answer this better, but most rentals fall under fair housing laws (there are exceptions) and that protects against discrimination based on familial status which means children or someone who is pregnant.

Any advice on what I should do to retrieve January’s rent? 

The landlord should be named on the tenant's insurance policy for additional protection and to assist with tracking compliance.

That is me reading between the lines, and I would suggest partnering with someone who has the money.

It really is a minefield out there.I know everyone likes the convenience of the web, and they are tired of hearing it, but this really is a business based on relationships, not online anonymity.

@David R Pustelnik sent you a DM to futher discuss one-on-one, please respond:)

After closing, work on increasing your income, reducing debt, and preparing for a second mortgage.

Frankly I would be less excited at spending any kind of money on a place that I don't own.

Outside of West Oakland, what areas would you say are likely to go up in value over time - what pockets/neighborhoods are you looking at? I am considering purchasing in Lower Dimond and any of the directly adjacent ne...