Not only will being nice keep it a low stress experience for both of you, but your more likely to get the person on the other end to empathize with your concerns. 

And as of right now, it seems like all of this is legal because of San Francisco's inconsistent rent control ordinance.You can read the article here: http://blog.sfgate.com/ontheblock/2015/03/16/san-f...As a human being who can empathize with others, I balk at this way of doing business. 

I wouldn't move forward with them because I'd be concerned there may be other misrepresentations in the future, and wouldn't want to put an owner at risk.I think it's a tougher call when it's your own property though - who doesn't empathize with a mom wanting better schooling for her kid?

Building rapport and empathizing with sellers can create a connection that goes beyond the transactional aspect.

Show that you truly understand their situation—don’t just sell, empathize.🔍 Ask the Right Questions: Use intelligent, open-ended questions to uncover problems only you can solve.

Empathize with his situation and ask how you can help, beyond letting him out of the deal.  

I am giving you a perspective from all sides, but there is no other side I will empathize with more than the investor.I am not an attorney; however, I am a Real Estate Investor and a Realtor.

Try to empathize with your old friends by understanding why they react this way.

And, i empathize because there was a lot of outlandish assumption marketed and promoted in this regard.

I empathize with them but I have to draw the line somewhere...nipping it in the bud.