To achieve higher rent collections during uncertain times, consider taking on less riskier assets. 

Not sure what Oakland rentals have done since then, but other than being a top floor corner with an unusually nice view, it seemed like the usual deal for apartments there.

Old school guy....but kept him out of trouble when the markets crashed and there is opportunity to pick up others mistakes at bargain prices.The 3 model is probably somewhere in the middle....some leverage, but keep plenty of cash or liquid reserves to cover the uncertain times.....there are times when people don't pay rent....there are owners out there right now that have not seen a rent payment in the year.   

Also would be interesting to consider it may be the costs of the repairs being unusually high. 

I can tell from my experience with them over the last three years that they provide an excellent service, top notch property management, and a culture within the company that is quite unusual and highly ethical.  

It's not unusual to find your own listings because nobody knows what you like more than yourself and everything is on the internet.

Good job for jumping in during uncertain times.

In March, I moved out of my $1200/mo shared house in DC and into a $650/mo shared house in Gaithersburg, month-to-month (adding all of that savings to a down payment fund).My question is: given the global pandemic and uncertain economy we’re in, would you sit tight a little longer and continue to rent, and see what happens in X months before jumping into a house hack?

.: Bruce, all I'm asking is that you tell me, in no uncertain terms and with certainty, WHY I have to act as you tell me I have to act.

Also, there's good reasons why the "1% Rule" for investors exists in the first place: because below that, you're only/mainly investing for (uncertain) appreciation, because it's likely to continue costing you money annually, not ideal as an investor, right?