I have always found him forth coming and helpful though I can't say much beyond that. 

Along the way I would help friends and family.   

If you have specific questions about property management, I'll be happy to help!

Ideally, this will help you decide what direction to go next. 

I would think most landlords, who choose to be landlords in very Tenant friendly San Francisco, would pony up the 5.2% knowing that the rate has gone up and down throughout time, unless they want to run the risk of their tenant's finding out and called out as being a bad landlord, being taken on by the very helpful San Francisco Tenants Union or taken to Small Claims Court.Maybe there is a silver lining in California's recent change in security deposits that limit it to one months rent when it used to be up to 2 month's rent for unfurnished units and up to 3x for furnished units.By the way, I took a look at your Company, https://www.getwhale.co/  Since your firm is only offering 4.2%, were you trying to market in San Fran before discovering the Rent Board rate?

The cost of financing will contribute to these rates and help you learn what your costs can be and how much cash you may need to tie up.  

Hope this helps!

I've been relentlessly researching all things real estate over the past couple years - reading countless books, watching hundreds of hours of YouTube videos, listening to thousands of hours of podcasts, etc.

helped me to decide to become a realtor Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Very helpful - much thanks.