Don't know about SF, but here's what I've found elsewhere: - Commercial landlords have policies, and you're dealing with people who don't have the incentive or

Don't know about SF, but here's what I've found elsewhere: - Commercial landlords have policies, and you're dealing with people who don't have the incentive or power to change them. With private landlords, you can talk to them and make a case you'll be a good tenant, they'll take you on. - Use references. Past landlords are great, but investors can be impressive too. Line up some letters on official stationery. - If you've got a blog, or public site, or coverage, you can use those to woo landlords too. Landlords want someone who will pay the rent, not trash the place, not bother them, and stay a long time. Keep those in mind, and figure out how to sell yourself as a good tenant, and hopefully the formalities shouldn't be an obstacle.