We replaced the ac unit and water boiler last year so those we thought were a plus.

Some clients are cool, others will not let you sleep at night. 

The home also has a stand alone, enclosed garage in the back of the property that has a water heater (meaning it has water running to it).

Definitely a cool area with lots of opportunity for growth!

My logic could be flawed here, so curious to hear opinions of others.Because FL is one of those cool states where RE tends to appreciate fast in the good times, it also can tank pretty hard in the down times. 

Holding for appreciation is fine as long as there was no or very limited personal use by you to muddy the water. 

@Harv Yergin IV My rentals are as high tech as they get ( video doorbells, smart thermostats, water leak detection etc.,) but smart locks weren't good ROI for me. 

Keep your cool cause this too shall pass.

Does a 9 year electric water heater last longer then a 6 yr?

My family currently rents a 950 sq ft apartment and honestly, I'm just sick of barely scraping by so I'm going to stop treading water and begin doing something!