I'm in a far more temperate climate, and last year picked up a couple of houses around the holidays in very desirable, hot areas.

There is also a micro climate to some communities.

If you are paying utilities, I'd look at getting the climate control thermostats.

With REI varying so much due to location it is good to have someone experienced in our local climate.

I have been doing this for years and the problems you just went through are typical of landlording in today economic climate.

Remember you don't have to own a property to control it.To find out about the local climate go to IREM.org search for ARM certified property managers.

@Michael StoleAs a contractor myself in the seasonally cold weather climate of Wisconsin, i would go with option #2.FYI, State building code in Wisconsin states all exterior walls must be insulated and so it has a separate inspection.Hope this helps

Really depends on the tenant climate where the OP is.

He signs a long term lease at a very low rate and then converts them into a climate controlled self storage.

It has excellent airline access, a temperate climate and a limited amount of space available.