How is it possible to invest in a climate like this without finding that needle in a haystack?

You also need to take climate and geographical area into consideration. 

@Peter PadalinoUnfortunately it is part of the business for short term rentals in hot climates.

This may be a simple question but curious in today’s climate of rising interest rates (mid-2018) , does it make sense for long term buy and hold investors to pay for points to buy down the interest rate or keep the cash on hand instead for additional properties.  

Of course since we are new to the area we are looking for local real estate agents to network with who can give us a feel for the market climate and whom we can refer clients to.

It depends on your climate, you might do an energy audit or just switch to electric, it doesn't seem too out of line for four units though $35 ish dollars per month depending on the size of the unit and how much they use the climate control.

Probably too dicey now with climate change though.

Lots of Californians are migrating there since it has a warm climate and doesn't get hit with hurricanes. 

I always hear people say they aren’t good for really cold climates I’m in northern Pennsylvania by Lake Erie and  I’ve seen them keep it toasty and comfortable well below zero atleast that’s my experience 

Something to consider.MarkWe cant see ourselves living anywhere else in this political climate as we are a minority and we enjoy the diversity and the openness of California but it does come with a price I guess.