I would assume that some version of these three zones exist in OC and it might be worth looking into where yours falls before settling on a STR vs LTR strategy.

@Shawn Kostoff, @Jimmy O'Connor, @Justin Seng, @Rich O'Neill, @Eric Armstrong, I'm sorry for reaching out on such an old thread, but I just purchased 2 rentals in the last 12 months in Delco and looking to scale my business.

Quote from @Russell Brazil: Bank statementHow do you figure out what all their business expenses are with just a bank statement?

PREDATORY business practices, truly shameful.

That is just awful business practice. 

If it were mine I would have a technician come out from a good trustable company has been in business for quite awhile and check the unit out.Good Luck!

I will be interested in hearing your thoughts on if/how can I improve my strategy   

If the goal is psychological because you have too much debt to sleep well at night then sell some properties and use the proceeds to pay off the debt on your remaining properties; or better still obtain the services of either a psychologist who can get you over your uneasiness or seek out a financial advisor who can convince you of the difference  between consumer debt “ bad” and investment/business debt “good”. 

Have you thought about different strategies you'd be interested in when you're ready to start investing?

I’m basing that more on things like W2’s being issued by a business versus what was reported by the person who received it - but I imagine it extends to all types of transactions.you are flirting with danger though.