We talked to another guy recently who made nearly six figures installing chrismas/holiday lights.

Hi,New to the STR arena and hoping some seasoned folks can shed light as to some creative ways to rent out my Temecula property during the winter months.

I'll be able to shed additional light on the situation once I better understand the perceived risks you are looking to protect against and better understand the duplex. 

Army Veteran and A&P Certified Heli/PlaneTech.Hobbies Include: Light Sport Aircraft, JDM Cars, Exotic Cars, Snow Boarding, Welding, Mountain Biking, Dirt Bikes, Jet Skis, Drag Racing, AutoX, Kayak, Loons Soccer, etc.....you get the idea.

Just update that lighting to make it look warmer and you should be good to go.I would create a separate bank account for the place.

I would only do so on light rehabs or with contractors I have a lot of trust in. 

That puts things in a whole other light.

We want something neither light nor dark—maybe a mid-tone that won’t show too much wear.

After that then and only then make some goals based upon that because then you will have goals that make sense in light of what you are actually able and willing to do. 

Replacing the garage door opener, and adding new lights saved $$$.