Lets say I get a cash partner who supplies the entire down payment and we agree to some terms and a time period... okay, now we've created an owner financed note and the property is positioned for an obvious value-play.This isn't like wholesaling, which I'm much more familiar with, so it isn't clear to me how much money the cash partner and myself would get.

I've listened to Michael Q's podcast, but I'm just not an aggressive negotiator... 

I live in SF)Anyone can refer me to an honest and aggressive real estate agent that would be great.

I was aggressive in my above example.  

I've tried talking the wife into buying a camper and living in it temporarily while we rent our house out and save aggressively.

Basically tenants become less fluid, therefore rental supply goes down and when units open up market rents are way higher.You need to understand the RC ordinances in your city: do you have the ability to pass improvement cost to your tenants, what is the rental increase cap per year, what are the "just cause" rules, etc. 

I bet there is not vent (supply air) in the room and you are not getting enough air movement with the door shut. 

@Richard Kolostian @Cat R. any licensed plumber should be able to install a water meter for you as long as the supply lines to each unit are separate and easily accessible.

If you have an immediate need or know of someone who needs housing or supplies, please contact me with a Direct Message and I will forward contact information for the Disaster Relief team.As of now, we have been fortunate as a company.  

Very few have ever followed up (their loss).I personally plan on taking a much more aggressive approach in the near future.