Both 12-month + month-to-month and 18-month leases have their benefits: 12-month leases offer stability with flexibility afterward, appealing to tenants who prefer shorter commitments, while 18-month leases provide longer-term stability, attracting tenants seeking predictability.

We also increased curb appeal with landscaping (there was ZERO), a ledge-pack driveway, and a fire pit area.

Hi Ayyoub Research is the key, Conduct thorough market research to understand why the competing property is listed at a lower rent, Consider any improvements or upgrades that could enhance the appeal of your property to potential tenants, If you're unable to match the lower rental rate of the competing property, consider other incentives to attract tenants, such as offering a shorter lease term, including utilities in the rent, or providing additional amenities.Hope it helps.

The appealing aspect here is the ongoing population growth and other economic factors.

Buying a turnkey property has never been something that has appealed to me, personally.  

Many CA investors find the Reno Tahoe, NV market appealing  because of the various strategies that can be implemented like buy and hold STR or MTR and the close proximity to CA. 

I can also share the local contacts I have made in the past decade for all the services you will need if you decide to pull the trigger ie: Notary, CPA, Real Estate law firms, photographers, property managers, financing, developers, etc. 

I would make them look super spiffy and rustic, appeal to the younger mountain focused crowd and put them in places where they like to be.  

But even here, if the buyer and seller are dealers ("flippers"), then money damages could be awarded.My reading of the Lawler decision is that while the trial court found the Plaintiff had proven his case and did in fact award specific performance, the appeals court disagreed and found the buyer/plaintiff did not allege and did not prove he was ready willing and able to close (an essential element of seeking to enforce the contract) and therefore was not entitle to specific performance.

get estimates for having it done, and map out what you'll save (as the owner) not having to pay the utilities per year, and measure your COCR. let's say it would cost 10k to have the utilities all split (i have NO idea what it would really cost), and you'd save $450/mo not having to pay utilities (a somewhat reasonable estimate for a duplex with water/sewer, electric, gas).. that would be a 54% cash-on-cash return, making that investment up front. when many investors are looking for an 8-12% COCR, 54% sounds pretty dang good. it will also make the property more appealing for a future buyer if the utilities are separate.