They are basically just saying they believe they have no control over their children, which is false based on the fact other parents have control over their kids. 

That's one of the problems with buying properties yourself in your SDIRA.You need to look into the disqualified persons and prohibited transactions rules for SDIRAs, as well as checkbook control IRAs.

@Scott FrameMost lenders/brokers don't or shouldn't have control over the cost of an appraisal. 

I can control a million dollar appreciating asset in SoCal for 50K OR 100K house in a stable cash flow market for 25K.

I am not as much of a believer in Newark turning around, the city has serious issues and the entire city is "technically" under rent control - not only 5 units and above. 

@Melissa Perez there are increased costs across the line for some building materials, but not others...lumber is a bit out of control right now, but electrical and plumbing fixtures still cost the same, etc.

I believe it is a rent control property and the tenants are paying and current. 

It's a California state rent control law, not specific to Fresno.

People will leave lights on, crank the AC and even freeze it, etc...you learn ways to control that, but be ready to work through some of those things. 

An additional advantage is that you have more control over your rental property than, say, over investments in the stock market.Personally, after I handed over my house, I was able to sell it with flagshipbuilders.net .