To really give you good feedback on this, we’d need to know more about your goals and your current financial situation.

In fact, some of them have been in the news lately and popped up on the foreclosure list as they are in trouble financially as well. 

I'm making some pretty big moves right now and changing my business plan in a new direction, so I don't want to die of shiny object syndrome, but this method really speaks to me.

Then plan a date to actively start looking to buy.

I plan to consult a tax professional but before wasting anyone's time I would like to ask whether I can technically claim the property as a rental in 2024 even though our first contract started Jan. 1, 2025?

Do they come with subscription plans for maintenance ?

The longest delay is the floor plans. 

The markets open up if you are not planning on doing the management yourself.There are many markets that are growing in population and jobs throughout the country if you are willing to look at OOS investing. 

I have from time to time spoken with the city administrator, economic developer, & a person at building planning commission.

Oakland has some ambitious plans to improve the city, and as rate improves, I firmly believe certain parts of Oakland will recover faster than others.