However, I plan to hold this for 10+ years, as the neighborhood is trending in a very positive direction, and rents are bounding upwards, as are property values.

It can be an issue of great magnitude and you have a lot to loose with two houses and the goal of more rentals!

I don't need to know about loans, water rights, metes and bounds, and all that other stuff that has absolutely nothing to do with property management.

Granted it is only a 10% drop, but imagine loosing $200/m on your new rental.

The supply lines are at floor level under the cabinet & I've used Jedd's idea of loosely skirting with good air flow in front of the back of the box with pond liner. 

Answering those questions is the best way for an agent to loose his license, pay hefty fees and even go to jail.

The biggest issue I've had when dealing with traditional real estate agents (who are NOT investors) is they lack the ability to think creatively and outside the bounds of a traditional real estate transaction.

You could loose everything.

Rental income is great but would be loosing the cold hard cash...

I think in San Jose you loose the rent control in perpetuity for that space, which if it has it will devalue the home, often substantially.