We're located in Great Barrington, MA and we are rookies getting into REI.  

Two of the rentals are located in the mountains where it snows and have large decks, they are very high maintenance so I’d like to get out of those if possible.In the three SoCal houses total I’m now looking at 703k equity (Split among the houses- 162k, 204k and 336k).

Seam sealer can be used to help keep the gaps tight in problem locations.  

@Beruk LessaneworkRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a Class A property in Class D area, what quality of tenant will you get?

Does the effectiveness of each vary by location?

Properties in the area appraise for US$450-800k depending on the location.  

Not sure where you’re located but I’m in South Elgin, IL and would be down to connect! 

It was already rewired and had a special footprint/ layout and great location.

Before asserting the tenant's liability, I would encourage you to seek legal advice in the state where the property is located and move forward from there.

After 6 months my goal is to start looking and purchase my first LTR or MTR property (3-4 multiunit or duplex) I am located in South Elgin, IL about an hour west of Chicago.