I would be very hesitant to buy a condo as a rental property. 

The marketplace is always evolving, so may eventually see more listings where sellers only set their listing agent commission for marketing the property and negotiating on their behalf, and not offer any buyer agency fee up front, and just settle on that in the Offer the buyer agent brings them.

My partner and I are currently hold 2 properties in the Glendale area that have done quite well.

So maybe consider getting a property outside of Oakland?

You can also negotiate the buyer's agent commission and sign a buyer-broker agreement, which ensures they represent you and assist in finding properties that meet your criteria.Best of luck!

I have a 4-unit property up in Cape Coral, FL that is currently wrapping up construction.

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 have a long term tenant moving out of a property in January.

Yep, I've seen that with my clients' STR properties in Wheat Ridge and Arvada, just outside of Denver.

I concur with Steve however I have never owned properties there.