I am in full agreement that a positive cash flow is a very important goal, due to the fact it insulates you from gambling on appreciation, equity, and rent increases. 

I took the gamble that possible mold remediation in the basement and structural deficiences wouldn't be a greater than $75k issue. 

I can only assume its located in a rapidly appreciating market where investors are willing to suck it up for a couple of years and let price appreciation do the hard work for them (always a risky gamble in any market).

they live in very good neighborhoods , built in pools , or they have a beach house and or a 45 ft sport fisherman for ocean fishing .  

so predicting a crash on the peninsula has been great sport now for the last 4 decades.. the biggest crash happened in SF in 89 to 92 prices did crash some then.. but then made new highs by mid to late 90s.. and now with TEch fully entrenched you have a world class city with no peer.. prices are taking a breather ..

@Jane A.Stock market is more like gambling on hoping that your stock improves in my opinion.

Also enjoy sports, fishing, and flying.I am a recent graduate and work full time as a drone pilot for a utility company (enjoyed your TFR reference), have cash in the bank and no debt.

This method  can be no better than gambling, no thanks.

If you can’t see it - it’s a gamble plain and simple.

I'm getting bombarded by the local sports team for 7 to 8 month rentals.