I would think most landlords, who choose to be landlords in very Tenant friendly San Francisco, would pony up the 5.2% knowing that the rate has gone up and down throughout time, unless they want to run the risk of their tenant's finding out and called out as being a bad landlord, being taken on by the very helpful San Francisco Tenants Union or taken to Small Claims Court.Maybe there is a silver lining in California's recent change in security deposits that limit it to one months rent when it used to be up to 2 month's rent for unfurnished units and up to 3x for furnished units.By the way, I took a look at your Company, https://www.getwhale.co/  Since your firm is only offering 4.2%, were you trying to market in San Fran before discovering the Rent Board rate?

I came across a loan program called Renofi that will lend you a based on the future value of your home after rehab.

Michigan is another great state to buy REI because the prices are still so low same in Indiana and Ohio. 

I live in Miami but invest in Birmingham, AL, so I completely understand the appeal of lower prices and less competition.That said, OOS investing isn’t for the faint of heart.

Timing can be crucial, so getting advice from those with experience in Tampa can be beneficial.

The main reason is labor, and the cost to live around this area is not cheap, so skilled labor demands high wages and benefits. 

So i found a house that has tall ish grass and a broken/open window with no mailbox at the location and i was to buy this property for my first house to live in for a while then eventually sell.

I try to minimize what I surround myself with so I can really enjoy my environment.

I like to hand-deliver it and set an appointment for my first inspection so I can start documenting the condition of the rental from that point forward.

Without that it will be a tough task to accomplish unless you work out some custom structure or bring the GC on the loan with you so you can leverage their direct experience.