Myself and of course I am very much not the norm in my management style.. unless the people are really horrible IE they go 30 days or more..

Or do they prefer more of a motel style where every unit has its own external door?

Not my style of LL'ing

Their songs mix with the sound of an old mission style fountain.

As far as what style to put I would suggest treated wood.

Some are able to draw from different resources to find us off market deals and some specialize in different style properties in different areas. 

My initial plan was to do the Dave Ramsey style of investing which was to pay it off quick as possible and eventually own it up right, but then I started learning of all the possibilities to get a steady cash flow over time And not to mention, how EXPENSIVE most of California is right now. 

To do this I would have to sacrifice my 'life style' and budget tightly.  

I like the runner idea too...I just have to find one that doesn't look like my grandma's style!

I could see a lot of tenants trying to fix or delay things DIY style to save money.