For example, in the event you have access to hard money or private money partners, you could always go borrow the money to cover purchase price and rehab costs, then rent and refinance only to pay off that original private money partner, get NO MONEY back out of the deal, and repeat this indefinitely.

Do you think this is a good strategy for me to implement as well, since I am currently paying 3k/month in rent and essentially receiving no added benefit/equity/appreciation for this, or are you suggesting I continue renting indefinitely while I am in the Bay Area and begin my real estate portfolio through OOS investing in a market like Columbus?