How to you properly charge the tenants seasonal usage (high in winter/low in summer) and when there's not equal gas appliances between the units? 

Trying to figure out the optimal strategy that will provide liability protection, proper estate transfer at death, and other strategies that can benefit their tax situation.I have my ideas, but want to consult with someone who has estate and tax planning experience in CA.

Installing quarter round trim saved $1k.

I have to pay $500 to get an appraisal but ill do that after I remodel and add a bathroom and install new AC.What is your current interest rate?

If you're concerned about potential damage, installing laminate flooring could be a smart move.

You need to do more than a day of fixups - painting, carpet steam cleaned, cleaning all drawers and appliances, exterior touchups.You have a "perfect" process set out, but it's one that will push you to make a bad tenant decision and not vet them properly.

You could consider it disposable but I am guess the costs to get it safe for habitation will really impact your decision.Regarding the house on stilts, if it is properly engineered it would be considered real property with a unique foundation.

The second lien also means you’re in a junior position if the buyer defaults, so you’ll want to be aware of that risk too.Overall, owner financing can be a win-win, but it’s important to have everything structured properly to protect your interests.Cheers,William

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

It might be worth it to install some security cameras and signs saying the property is being monitored to deter criminals.