Coastal properties often appreciate well over time.

Bluffton/Beaufort/HHI are growing rapidly but still relatively doable compared with Charleston and the coastal areas.

Just sold a duplex at Baylor University and am interested in STR condo in Destin, Gulf Shores Coastal area (family goes every year) or Colorado, or Smokey Mountains seems to be a great place to invest now.   

That said, I see a lot of people occupy their coastal properties with a seasonal tenant throughout the winter months at a reduced rate.

We have had 2 long term rentals. 1 when we were in our early 20’s and got hurt a little during the 2008 down turn and sold it.

Maybe you can approach with a combination of selling the lowest performing or least desirable asset(s) and utilizing some for cash out towards reinvestment? 

My fiance' and I are in our early 50's and looking to build our retirement.

Most of our out of state coastal STR investors are conventionally financed and utilize low down payment 10-25% to qualify. 

We’ve been sanding and painting kitchen cabinets and applying new modern black hardware and new black hinges to make them pop.

Otherwise known as thongs to ya'll...here in the south "thongs" have a totally different meaning. hahaha - I resided in North Co San Diego in my 20's and can absolutely tell you that you will miss that climate.