I would like to be able to occupy the property for 1 week every 4-6 months, which they agree to (with enough notice on dates) as they have to travel for work at times and could easily vacate during these periods.Has anyone written this sort of agreement into a lease?

Who would say no to that?

So it isn't a complete waste, you would simply need to follow the strict reading of the law with no private clauses for consideration...I'm not sure how that plays out since technically if the lease is void, so is the tenancy meaning you could terminate anytime and not wait for the original lease expiration...I'm sure that's covered somewhere, but again I'd ask my local atty what to do given this is such a locally specific issue. 

You're correct in assuming most agents work through showingtime and/or StreetEasy.

As a landlord, you should vote No on Prop 33.Costa-Hawkins restricts most control laws that local cities and counties can impose. 

If you're looking to scale quickly with lower down payments, I completely agre that house hacking is the way to get started— it worked well for me.

BUT if i let it go up for auction, and no one bids against me, i can get it clear title for 150k.Whats your thoughts?

It's no guarantee but it's a good place to start.

A duplex / triplex where you house hack w/ the VA loan is a good option if the numbers work.2.

Hi, I work for a business lending brokerage (business loans, lines of credit etc.) based in FL.