You are 100% correct and the reason is pure supply-and-demand. 

Pulled it off, took it to Crown Lumber and Supply at 1224 N.

They get volume pricing from contractors, probably have their sales person license which means they can save on that end and can usually get it done quicker than you because they’re supplying their crew with consistent work which will lessen their holding costs.

Occasionally we spot-sand.We source hardwood as close the the woods as possible and usually manage to pay under $3/SF for the raw material plus staples and other supplies. 

Oddly they didn't ban it for the vast vineyards that supply much of the grapes for CA wines. 

Move toward shoppers desiring a walkable “experience” rather than a traditional strip centerAs a result many retail properties can not be rented at a economically viable rental rate.

Live in San MateoI run a pet supply store full-time and currently in the process of joining a financial firm for a few hours a week.

If you have a certain comfort zone, it's extremely easy to stay in it because whatever size your bubble is, you can find an endless supply of information to fill and reinforce it without really providing much reason to move out of it.Reading and podcasts are potential antidotes to being trapped in your own filter bubble (limited vision), but it so easy these days to just read a few things and forget them, versus actually challenging yourself and expanding your comfort zone.

Equity for us.We've looked into arbitrage and found a very limited supply of rentals in our area that would be up to our standards for an AirBNB. 

(if you're really sharp, get new supply lines and new water valve, your then really safe)   Don't go with tankless, up front costs are WAY to high.