The city council increased pressure on my situation last November with Measure Y.

I think the reason is these tech companies are realizing the efficiency of remote work, therefore allowing the San Francisco RE market to deflate some pressure and let people live an hour away. 

Hello @Mike MontanyeAs others have  stated, don't be pressured into making a hasty decision. 

Unlike traditional bank loans, which are based on the borrower's credit score and financial history, hard money loans are based on the value of the property being used as collateral.The above has become less true over the years it seems.Most HMLs now seem to look at credit scores, and the vast majority seem to have implemented credit score minimums.Additionally, HMLs will look at financial measures, such as a borrower's liquidity, to gauge likelihood of repayment.You're certainly right that the traditionalist definition of 'hard money' is lending on the value of the property, and not taking much else into consideration.

But the gas cannot be turned on because it cannot hold the pressure.

I've been an environmental lawyer for over 35 years and have encountered only one home tank that exceeded $100K and that was an extraordinary situation where there was pressurized piping with a diesel tank and where the consultant committed fraud by over-excavating the site. most home heating oil tanks will range from $10K to $20K with costs approaching $50K-100K where groundwater is impacted and used for drinking purposes.   

I'm having trouble gauging whether improvements to the home could warrant higher rent and increase the cash flow.

There are TONS of things I could keep going about but those 10 are just a gauge that will help a consumer find out about their lenders.  

It is good to get a gauge of what you could do and what makes sense. 

@Rogers MarquessRTU drains should be trapped if they are negative pressure unitsIt may seem elementary to ask but is the unit pitched towards the drain?