I ask because I’m looking to buy an apartment in Oakland, CA to live in at first, but I’d like to rent it out eventually and ideally not have it be subject to rent control.

HOA=no total control of your own property.Hope this helps.

Can anyone provide their input on Latch access control systems?

You'll want to look into whether there are any existing "controlling interest" statutes implicated in the jurisdiction where the property is located.

@Frank Martin Those books are fantastic place to get started!  

I am generally a believer in checkbook control, especially for those who have concerns about the safety of their money.

Cassy,Fantastic job!  

Now if this month doesn’t work I won’t be nice again…Consider yourself VERY lucky… I use 3 attorneys regularly here and they all echoed the same sentiment… landlords here, including commercial property owners such as us, have absolutely no control over collecting rents… so much so that our clients are doing us a favor by paying.

I would concur with Jeff as well that doing a cash out refi would be a fantastic way to look at securing another property, but as he said it really depends on the value and loan balance on your current mortgage.

However, if you have the means, commercial can be very rewarding once you put a property on "cruise control".Just one person's opinion, but I hope it helps!