The challenge is the that you need to have a plan for the property that will allow you to improve rent collection, lower expenses or build the equity.

I am interested in living in the basement, and renting out the upper unit on Airbnb.

Give them a 60-day notice, then charge them a prorated rent for the additional 20-day extension.

I've narrowed down the best return for my money in this market to a 2 bed/2 bath (with top tier amenities) - about 500 total 2/2 listings.I'm finding myself a bit stuck when analyzing why certain properties are making so much higher than the average listings when they seem to have very similar locations, amenities, style, flow of home, beds/# of people they sleep, reviews, number of reviews, etc.

I think those rent estimates are realistic. 

Upgrading isn't worth it if you are planning to rent it out(generally) unless you were planning on doing a refi or sell it.

I am new to real estate investing and got into it because of the book The House Hacking Strategy.I live in San Diego; the rent is just crazy.

Quote from @Rushi Shah: Hi everyone, my partner and I are renting right now and looking to start our landlord journey.

Will depend on several factors like the type of property, type of tenants, your risk tolerance, other assets you own, your estate planning, laws where the property is located, etc.

I do like the built in leasing that apartments offers over the OG Cozy site, but I don't really want to pigeon hole myself into the apartments.com brand (or Zillow, or any other of the type) so I'm starting to use rent redi.