Pretty good for landlords long as you play by the rules.

Lastly, if there was anything you could do differently, what would that be? 

If I was in your position I would look to air bnb or VRBO the property you purchase in San Diego this way you will have less negative cash flow than if you were to rent it out to a long term tenant. 

The other option would be to see if you give them a long escrow to get out of the house.

v=5yLr4ktCtqY&t=1807s).David and Rob advised that since I'm in a bad location, I should consider selling the house and buying in a better area judging by the long time it took to get a tenant.

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+, zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680, some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

As long as you are approaching people in a respectful way that you feel good about you can't help how people will respond sometimes.

I am based in san francisco but pretty open to investing anywhere across the country - as long as it's a good opportunity in a good/profitable area.

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620, many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

For the last several years we have been hit with repair after repair.