I'm new to the site, but have had a single-family rental purchased about 13 years ago in the SE area inside the Perimeter. 

Are you also talking about private colleges (Oglethorpe, Agnes Scott), or further out like Kennesaw State, Georgia Perimeter or Clayton State? 

I think it may be a bit cost prohibitive for a spec build in Southern California but I like the idea for perimeter walls and possibly even retaining walls if they can take the load.

I live on the north-end of Atlanta but do most of my investing inside the city-perimeter.

I live on the north-end of Atlanta but do most of my investing inside the city-perimeter.

I live on the north-end of Atlanta but do most of my investing inside the city-perimeter.

I set out bait stations around the perimeter of the house and haven't caught a mouse inside the house in 2.5 years.Bait stations: https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...Bait: https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...Mice eat the bait and die before ever entering the home.

Foundation engineer did a check and said he had concern of central slab dips two inches and lots patch on perimeter brick.

Exterior of the house- pressure wash- new mailbox- new address numbers- paint trim- paint siding- paint doors- paint security or storm doors- paint shutters- repair concrete around foundation- paint foundation around perimeter of house- new light fixture in front- new light fixture in back- replace all damaged/rotten wood/trim/siding around house- new double sided gate latch- repair fence around yard- replace any missing/broken tension pumps on storm/security doors- clean out storage room- repair and paint inside storage room- replace any missing/torn/damaged window screens- remove all stickers from all windowsMain Interior- paint all walls- paint trim and doors- paint ceilings and closets- install new blinds throughout- install new doorstops throughout- install new doorknobs throughout- replace broken light switch and outlet covers- replace missing/broken light bulbs- install new smoke detectors- install new fire extinguisher- install two new smoke detectors or as required per code- install new fire extinguisherDen- new ceiling fan with light- paint cabinets inside and out- new hardware on cabinetsKitchen- 2 new two-bulb brushed nickel light fixture(s)- paint cabinets inside and out- new hardware on cabinets- replace missing hardware on cabinets- install new countertops- new backsplash at stove opening- new vent-a-hood- remove old dishwasher- caulk sink, floor, counterLaundry Room- 1 new two-bulb brushed nickel light fixture(s)Hall Bathroom- paint cabinets inside and out- new shower head- new shower bar- new toilet seat- caulk toilet, sink, tub, floorMaster Bathroom- 2 new two-bulb brushed nickel light fixture(s)- paint cabinets inside and out- new hardware on cabinets- new shower head- new shower bar- new toilet seat- new toilet paper holder- caulk toilet, sink, tub, floorBedroom 1- 1 new two-bulb brushed nickel light fixture(s)Master Bedroom- new ceiling fan with lightBedroom 2- 1 new two-bulb brushed nickel light fixture(s)Hallway- 1 new two-bulb brushed nickel light fixture(s)Additional Items- rekey all locks- mow yard/landscaping- plumbing repairs as recommended by a licensed plumbing contractor- install new water heater- HVAC repairs as recommended by a licensed HVAC contractor- install new air handler- clean & service existing AC- electrical repairs as recommended by a licensed electrical contractor- install new carpet in: bedrooms- install new vinyl plank flooring in: kitchen;laundry;hallway;den- chemically clean roof- install new dishwasher- cleaning at completion of renovation

If there is a crawl space, it's worth inspecting the perimeter of the home for any vents, gaps, cracks in the foundation that would allow air flow - grab some straw and lay it over these gaps to keep the wind from blowing in.