And you are continuing to invest in real estate a 1031 is a good option to explore. 

As an appraiser I’ve appraised a handful of properties recently that are outside of city limits and operating successfully as STR’s that don’t have the same regulations as the city of St Pete.

By accelerating your depreciation schedules, you reduce your taxable income which in turn increases your operating cash flow.

A clear operating agreement from the start is key to keeping on the same page. 

Assuming the Oakland rental market continues to remain stagnant/competitive with newer buildings going up, is property appreciation the only way to increasing wealth with my building?

I hope my entry into real estate will continue this trend.

Living somewhere that you hate will make for a miserable real estate journey and you'll not want to continue.

Tip #1 - no such thing as one perfect market There is lots of data on Bigger Pockets and MTR experts that have released rankings of top cities for next year, but remember it's not just about the purchase-- it's also about the operation.

Reese's "free" course is really "first lesson free", then you are directed to a paywall to continue.  

As you progress, maintaining a clear line of communication with your team, especially your property manager, will allow you to stay ahead of maintenance issues and tenant needs, keeping your operations smooth and your tenants happy.If you haven't done so already, consider outlining your goals and investment criteria with a property manager early on.