They might be $4/gallon one winter and $2/gallon the next winter.

My play: I'm on vacation until this winter.

Had burst pipe because tenant left door open all night in winter and it froze.

I have found good deals in the north, but I am not a huge fan of living in/dealing with snow and winter storms. 

or "Jenny leaves the window open in winter, so her gas/heating bill should be higher than mine!"

Ski/snowboard in te winter months or enjoy the river/ hiking in the summer months.

I waited until winter here and got my driveway guy to do two of our properties when they opened up the plant for a week here and there in good weather.

I've been putting off STR due to the ease of the LTR model but would I be better off investing the money in a STR property through winter (ski area) to at least pay for itself plus gain the equity then re-evaluate in spring?

And if you are in a colder winter climate (like we are here in Milwaukee) you can't do exterior paint in freezing temperatures and FHA won't close. 

We are targeting our search in Durango because we love the area with summer and winter activities and we can drive there from Southern California.