Invest in good quality, durable key pieces like beds and couches.

My method as well. 

If there's an alternative method that has worked for you, please share. 

Using the next ten years and the snowball method to pay them off.

In addition to that, lots of retail has actually been demolished over the past decade to make room for higher density projects, like apartments.That said, most retail landlords with high quality shopping centers aren't dying for deals.

@Shai Galapo two methods I would suggest here.  

If you want to gather emails and do some email marketing, there's a new company that many hosts have been pretty happy with....Go STR MarketingI will check into this company. i don't think this will be a substitute for StayFI as you still need a better method of capturing data beyond just the contact date you get from your PMS.

My thought is choose a higher income, high quality tenant especially in CA and don't listen to any sob stories (not 100% foolproof but reduces the risk). 

Hey Deepak I have a number of rentals in San Diego and lots of experience placing high quality tenants. 

It can come from cash, or (my pref) a LOC (not tied to the property).The alternative is a proactive method (my pref).Let's say you have roof that needs to be replaced within the next 5 years.