1) have licensed electrician check if they can swap lines on breakers to better distribute the house loads.

Dude don't cut your PM company, just swap it out, DM me, I can get you in at 15% for property management.

If you are doing this in Pittsburgh there is likely a way to make this much more cost effective using a drop and swap.

If you do any major items like roof, new HVAC, new electrical wiring, new plumbing lines (not just swapping out fixtures), get a permit.

Taking on a full gut, or even just a 30 day flip where I'm just swapping flooring, painting, cleaning up the landscaping, etc. feels very stressful to me.

Not sure what you are shopping for in San Diego but it sort of feels like you might be swapping your equity and rate for a higher cost of living.

The properties that we turn into rentals, we just swap out from gas stove to electric stove or back as needed.

Swapping out air filters, checking fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, getting systems ready for winter/summer, checking water softener, replacing water filters, etc...If you're out of state then the travel may be deductible if it's primarily for business.If your properties are in Denver then you'll need to get them inspected this year or next as part of the new rental legislation. 

Your original post is simply about your desire to swap one term for another that you find less offensive. 

When you connect old to new there will always be a potential fail point at that junction.....was that junction within the scope of work they were hired to swap out?