This is hard for most investors because buying what is not popular is frightening.

Only 9 of the 100+ inquiring people actually filled out the pre-screening form and 5 of them were invited to view the property.We gave people the choice to fill out paper application and pay $35/adult for background screening or apply for free through Naborly.

people on wait list...My agent is telling me this is not a good choice...which I agree with from investor perspective, but life is gonna be so much better :) Also I wonder if working towards removing rental cap during 1-2 years when I will be living there is not too big of a risk.

Income tax has never played a role in my choices.

Not specifically but new construction is almost never the way to go, I don't know about Central CA but here in southern CA Mello Roos and increased property tax rates became really popular with new construction so where something built in 1990 would have a tax rate of 1.1% something built in 2015 could be 2.1%. 

Lots like these by the lake are very popular in my area right now due to the tiny house trend.

Process, costs, hot area's.... lot of choices in talk turkey.

Right now interest rates are so low and leveraging those can also be a good choice. 

On the other hand with our local closing attorneys they will answer title and legal questions, so in my opinion it is much better to use a settlement attorney if you have the choice. 

If its a HAVE to move, then the landlord would have to incur hotel costs for the tenant during the repair....so pay the move and be done with it....cheaper for the landlord.If its an OPTIONAL move by the tenant, then its on them... they made the choice and also decided to drop $$ on buying boxes and renting a van, when there are cheaper ways to move stuff 500 yardsThe big hurdle is its AFTER the move that the tenant now wants to talk $$.