Again, definitely consult a lawyer haha 

In my area tax auctions don't have deposits.

With a minimum 30-day rental period, tight registration criteria limited to permanent residents, and associated compliance costs such as fees and taxes, entering San Francisco's STR market without first examining these restrictions may result in problems and severe fines.

Consulting and security of funds and documentation are the three legs that are critical for you. 

"Regentrification" to me is when a City, Mayor's Devenlopment Council, offers Tax breaks etc. for Builders to build "affordable housing" in the run down neighborhoods where I would never want to own anything.

If that could be re-thought and made a prime buying strategy - that had benefits for the seller as well (tax break/credits, etc)....?

A bit on my self I have 3 singles in Dallas Forth-Worth area & 1 single Tampa area I sold 2 flips in Austin, TXIn DFW, I’m doing section 8 , I am getting properties with hard money loan , remodel them, and then re fi them for 30 years , I put around 45-65K for each property I have 4 properties total that cash flowing $300, $500, $1000 (section 8) , $250 per month after all taxes, expenses , insurances , mortgages .. 

My total of all annual expenses is about $220K- everything, insurance, haircuts, leisure travel, property taxes, etc all included in thereI dont want to semi-retire any time soon, but I think it's smart to have long term plans.

Do you pay the local taxes on my property?

@Bruce Cook please do consult legal services, but also do some diligence on your end.