LTR is a great strategy it's just cash intensive. 

Every extortion attempt I have experienced in Baja has happened North of Ensenada.Beyond Ensenada are cool things like wineries (I do not drink wine), La Bufadora and its blow hole, great little fishing villages, Gurerro Negro and Scammons Lagoon (best whale watching on earth), San Pedro Martir (least visited forest region within a day of San Diego and has the twin Picacho del Diablo peaks and the national observatory), numerous Missions in various degrees of condition, hot springs, party towns (San Felipe), surf towns, snorkel/diving (anywhere in Sea of Cortex in Baja Sur), Sand Dunes (Baja races), etc.My worse theft south of Ensenada has been some bottled water.So the question is why Rosarito? 

Below are a few things I look for in a vacation rental cleaner:1) Hot Tub Maintenance: Since many of my properties include hot tubs, it's essential that my cleaners are experienced in testing water quality and adding the appropriate chemicals as needed. 2) Clear Communication: Real-time communication is crucial for me.

I added a decent amount into the house (new paint, new hot water heater, brand new kitchen, better layout) but I’m not sure if that’s enough for me to appraise for 20% equity. 

Would it devastate me financially to get that $1800 bill for replacing a hot water heater ?

There are many buildings with systems reaching the end of their life - Galvanized hot water risers, leaking vent stacks, aging window systems, outdated elevator and fire safety equipment.

If you currently work an intense non-flexible W2 job, BRRR might not be for you. 

As far as positive ROI - I'd like feedback on the following items:-Switching to tankless hot water heater (current water heater doesn't look so hot)-Upgrading electric panel to a Span Smart Panel.

I know its a hot potato topic  LOL.

After this, apply additional elimination criteria in the order from the easiest to the most time-intensive.