If you didn't sign the exclusive agreement then you have the option to bring a deal to the agent who will get your foot in the door quicker.

I did a lot of research and rent is 1249 average in that area for that sq foot and bedroom/baths.

I'm looking to get my foot in the REI world by house hacking a MF this year and plan to continue on the MF buy and hold path.

plenty of ways.. but I suggest local meetups and reia meetings network like crazy connect with people and find someone that has money .. go to the auction house and meet people there network network network. become their bird dog or hound dog and get your foot in

Always calculate the cost per square foot and compare.

Or am I possibly shooting myself in the foot by hoping it will continue to trend up like it has? 

Be on the look out for front foot benefit charge/agreement requiring payback of water/sewer/utilities connection often over a period of many years. 

I don't see this one foot in the water & one foot outside of the water thing working out too well. 

The per square foot cost is $1k in SF ($1.6m average home)    What am I missing?

Once mold gets it's foot in the door it can be very hard to get rid of.It's easy to dismiss someone complaining about being sick from mold until you see someone you care about go through it.