When I run the numbers based on these rents, the property operates at a negative cash flow.If I increase the studio's rent to $1,400 per month, the property becomes cash-flow positive.

Build your portfolio as your knowledge and wealth increase. 

If you can or do trust your PM company then speed can increase and costs decrease over time. 

(example - STR on the back end to increase cash flow)To me, forced apperception (BRRRR or buying at a discount) is a hedge against market corrections.

Can you PROVE that the landscaping increases rents of ability to rent? 

I can mark it up with a fee or by increasing the rate (or both, but I never do).

It will actually be more difficult for your agent to procure a buyer off market - so the work actually increases. 

Owner occupied loans have allowed us to purchase properties in markets with heavy appreciation, and potential for huge rent increases.

Corona impacts will greatly impact this surplus but it is nice that the state had a $9B surplus.CA, over the last 10 years, had the 2nd largest net population increase of all 50 states (last I looked - I believe it to still be true). 

.- If interest rates remain high, this is further upward pressure on rents in the near-term, as the alternative to renting - buying a home with a mortgage, is expensive - this should increase demand for rentals. - Rents are also a function of supply - 2024 saw the most new construction of multifamily units in American history (nearly 575,000 estimated 2024 deliveries of new multifamily inventory), and 2025, while not a record setting year, will see deliveries top 500,000 again - a huge supply increase.