Though there are legitimate concerns that this complex will push gentrification, I think it will add to the vibrancy of the Hilltop neighborhood.As a new investor, I'm not sure if the addition of this complex will push up rents in the area by increasing average rents and desirability, or depress them because it is adding a significant number of new units, thus decreasing the demand on other units.  

Also remember that there are a lot of other factors to consider for vacation rental properties such as seasonality/demand, view/waterfront vs. not, community amenities, what it is near, making it warm and inviting, etc.Best Regards,Scott

Or if you feel so inclined, you could pursue a strategy like direct mail marketing, or working with a wholesaler.If the demand for your most desirable neighborhoods is too high, are there other areas of the city that offer similar features?

USAA didn't like hearing their rates were beat and tried to demand we give up the name of who offered us such a low rate. 

Rent increases are based on supply and demand and typically increase at a much higher rate than inflation, which means over time, your ROI increases exponentially.

Our political clan, the fabled Bored of Stupidvisors, only seek to further constrain housing supplies and demand that only 100% affordable housing gets built (hint: unless SF gov plans to pay for that, at the tune of $500k per unit minimum cost, it's wishful thinking.)And if you wish to entertain yourself with SF-logic-housing, I highly recommend this blog post and comments section.

**Since my current home was a complete gut, I know it's nearly maintenance free and I debate whether or not I should sell it, knowing there's little maintenance and I can demand top dollar for my area (which would be ~$3K/month in rental income, less my current $1800/month PITI). 

You'll need to match the design of the new home to the market demand.

I've worked a bunch of transactions from the buyers side and those seem to be a lot more demanding of my time.

I think that it is simply a supply and demand game. 3 years ago we purchased a home in Sherwood Forest off of Laurens Road for 83k we sold it one year ago for 135k with only a bathroom upfit.