I've been thinking I would like to fix the outside landscaping/fence/Kitchen cabinetry and roof so I that I can get the max rent or just sell and buy in the midwest, 1031 exchange (not sure if I qualify).

Super nice house with nice landscaping , hardwood floors in great condition, nearly move in ready with new furnace/hotwater/ central air.

If there is landscaping that you can add where, once established while you live there, requires very little maintenance and water, then do that.

nope rentals but that's just based off of Zillow...my point being that state of the investor rental market has changed and to be aware of the competitive landscape, regardless of the type of exchange.

House/roads/buildings/fence/electrical/security/signage/landscaping/etc. 

Any advice is greatly appreciated :)Get to know one developer socially that you get along with well.Share your interest in the business.Seriously, meet for a coffee seems really (W2)....probably isn't the best thing.If you are (W2) your wage slave hours might conflict with the business hours of your intended teacher.But seriously, meet for a coffee with your carpenter, landscaper and close friends.I think the best way to learn is to hang out together as friends with a mutual interest, but if you are (W2)-ing all day...that leaves no hang out time.Go to a 2.5 hour lunch on a moments notice, hang out together in the office, go look at sites together....What is a finance professional--a lender, a CFO, an accountant, a spreadsheet guy running calcs, a statistician, etc???

That means my landscaping is dying in the CA summer heat.I suspect the tenant is not at home at all given the power is likely out. 

Because I also own and buy actively, I also have the proven vendors that further save my clients money from insurance, landscaping, pest control, pool care, and handymen/hvac/plumbing/electrical.With that said, I’ll send you those properties today per our phone consultation @James Thompson and we’ll be sure you get your 1031 funds allocated smoothly and into great STRs 👍

Biggest hurdle might be that for last 14 years I feel I have struggled financially owning a lawncare and landscaping business.

Assume tenants pay all utilities except common electric and water and landscaping is minimal.