LaoYang, My personal experience is

that you can definately manage it yourself from bayarea. Most of these houses are newer houses,so repairs are rare. Once you have a good list of local handymen, you should be able to get things done over the phone if needed. I only go there once a year. You do need to go there more when you change tenants and show houses. But turnover is not bad at all. I can not comment on Hercules or other places, since I do not have personal experiences. Weather wise, I do not live there,I don't care,as long as I can find tenants.