I’d say it depends on your ideal persona to rent to.

Of course, COCR would be way higher than CAP but again it depends on % down payment and interest rate etc.Good for you, if you are able to do that in Bay Area.

A lot depends on your goals and what you need to accomplish with the property.

My budget is up to $280,000, depending on what the property can be rented for.Thanks!

Unlike 99% of all Loan Originators who are 100% dependent on realtor referrals, I'm able to share info on topics that all LOs will agree when talking among other LOs, but are terrified to agree in front of realtors.   

That all depends on if the rent will fully cover mortgage, tax, insurance, 5% of rental income for repairs, another 5% for CAPEX, another 5% for vacancies, and another 10% for PM services (even if you self-manage).

It depends on the documents & terms used in the deal.If you need a simple lease option document with a contingency clause, just message me.It will let you back out if you don't find a buyer, without paying anything out of pocket.

But succeeding with student rentals depends on how many rental units are available, compared to the amount of students there are. 

@Albert Ng ...Depends on type of transaction. 

It is hit and miss depending on your goal and what you are focused on already.