Almost every single person I trusted screwed me over, including my landlord who is an attorney, my actual attorney, my neighbours downstairs called her friend to rob me (we saw the footage after knocking 20 doors as every apartment building has security cameras and no one would help).........I highly recommend you rent a place and try to Airbnb out to see if it's even worth the cashflow/trouble. 

My tenants seem less engaged with these issues and are not responding fully to my efforts to sensitise them to the risks that they are potentially running with their and my property and with their safety and that of their neighbours.

Likely no big deal for the easement of the neighbour's driveway.

@Adam @Adam Greece Congrats to you.

Also talk to the neighbours to see what the area is like-they may casually mention something about the current tenants. 

It has put one completely through college, one has 1 year left and is currently studying abroad in Greece (so adventure), and one will start soon.

Are there any neighbours that might oppose to large groups of people staying there?

The fact that the neighbours complained about the smell and the tenant said nothing is not a good sign especially if the sewer backed up in the basement. 

Hey everyone, new investor here looking for mentoring and any helpful contacts.My first goal is to do a house hack in at least a somewhat decent neighborhood (ideally in the Greece/Gates area but I know I need to be flexible).

Hello everyone
I'm a new investor from Santa Clara, CA and am looking at STR for my 1st investment property. Looking for recommendations on STR friendly locations to consider in or near California. 
Thanks
Anshuman