The biggest benefits to RE are leverage and control. 

Not being in control of the land brings all sorts of potential headaches… lot rent increases outside of your control; what if the seller decides to sell the land?  

So far I have had to replace a broken bed, bathroom paper roll, fix a tub sink twice, and I added a heating control system to the pool. 

Im a very hands on person, type A, and can be a control freak at times.

It was much more about the control of how agents are treated and eliminating the aforementioned "big company BS".The most difficult thing I've found is recruiting, even though I offer a 75% commission split, $1M E&O, CRM, agent websites, etc.It turns out that most agents are happy where they are, and I suspect that a lot of their personal identity and branding is tied up with whatever company they're working for. 

The real question should be - do you want control over your investments or do you want to put your faith and confidence into another person/company? 

.: You're not maintaining control of the situation.

(Go-Forth Pest Control - and every other pest control company posting online). 

Also, am I correct that there are rent controls in San Fran?   

Patrick,  A humidifier would be good for after you close to help get the moisture under control, so would be just letting the house breathe with the windows open.