We currently can't evict tenants except in cases of dangerous behavior.

Northern Liberties/Fishtown used to be as dangerous as they come less than 10 years ago, now it is arguably the hottest neighborhood for young professionals.

I definitely don't want to invest in dangerous areas, which Oakland is notorious for.

Hood which is a notoriously dangerous base - both on base and in the neighborhoods around base.

Smaller units are much easier to rent though since there are fewer options. 

The danger of relying on Airdna data I guess.

If all things are equal definitely get as many doors as possible, but don't forget to consider other things and also don't take a property with more doors if it is less profitable than one with fewer.

Never invest in any city on Neighborhood Scouts' list of the 100 most dangerous US cities - https://www.neighborhoodscout....Low operating costs - High operating costs can turn what appears to be a profitable property into a money pit.

Does the proposal only apply to corporate landlords or also Mom and Pop landlords,  who  own say 4 or fewer units,  in its current form? 

Higher leverage means higher risks, higher monthly fees and fewer equity means that you are just one bad shock underwater, so that is another thing to balance.