I'm in the beginning stages myself and am from the Bay.

The cost of such a trial might well exceed the amount you could ultimately win.Even if you get a monetary judgment for the amount owed, the cost of the trial could prove excessive, and there is a question whether you can collect the money from the tenant.Most jury trials end in settlements, because of these uncertainties for both parties.

I've found a few scattered in the university areas - I'm thinking of they are not excessive then it could be a good deal.

We are in the beginning stages, so we are still getting our money for down payment etc in order.We have started to look at some land to invest in while we are patient with the market here.

In excess of $1000-1500 a year.

East of Everett is much better than in the city, which is in the early stages of gentrification, with a lot of inexpensive SFR rentals in tough shape.

At this stage of my career, $50/hr is pretty generous!

For the average person in the street, a $4m apartment might be high end, but for the high net worth individual, it might just be their weekend get away or a place to store their excess furniture or a means to get a dock in the marina etc.

Anything else is a pig-in-a-poke.Take a short trip to Vietnam and note that they are still at the motorbike stage of development.  

I very highly doubt that they would award $1500 as that could be judged as excessive and predatory (in the courts eyes).