The only suggestion I would give you is to stay at 3 units or less in Oakland. 

Well as of right now we have a place to stay but we are definitely interested buying a place to rent out to others. 

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But like to keep myself sharp by staying tuned to the market. 

So, this might be a bit radical - and would definitely take some conversations with your wife - but here's what I would do:You mentioned friends and family in the area - I would stay with them on a month-to-month rental basis.

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Again, because there was an exchange the find were nearly there.Account ClosedYes I am managing the property myself, and from my experience units do not stay vacant for over a month.  

I think you’d have been better off staying at 525.

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I have a portable wood stand I set it on that stays on the job site.