I just want to try and get a jump start on life by investing my time and energy now.

Things like televisions, home theater equipment and stereos actually run in “standby” mode when you leave them plugged in, and they can draw as much energy as a 100-watt light bulb.

It's not just about net energy cost savings, although that's the easiest to measure.  

Do you have the time and energy to do it?

More energy.  

In So-Cal you have to have energy efficiency calculations and there are other costs that you don't realize until you get into it. 

The best opportunity you will have to replacing out-dated systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) and improve the energy efficiency of the building envelope (air sealing, insulation, fenestration) is before a building is placed into service.  

Any energy you spend on this will be easier than a drawn out eviction, so figure out the barriers and help them solve them.You may struggle to find quality tenants and folks that won't smoke in units, I had to really adjust my expectations over the years. 

When you are passionate about something all things are possible and you find the needed energy (well, most days anyway ha ha).

Plus my father who is 51 would have the added benefit of having these two properties paid off by the time he's in his mid 60's, probably about the time he will be retiring.My Father is basically my "Private Investor" so to speak because he has cash and I have more time and energy to put into the ins and outs of finding deals and dealing with tenants.