Sounds like the expectations just weren’t set properly from the get go?  

Once you can properly analyze a t12 and rent roll, then plugging it into a tool will help you spot opportunity.Gino

Trying to figure out the optimal strategy that will provide liability protection, proper estate transfer at death, and other strategies that can benefit their tax situation.I have my ideas, but want to consult with someone who has estate and tax planning experience in CA.

Let me summarize this for you again, I am not seeking a legal advice, I need hand holding to confirm I am reading the semantics of the deal properly !

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

If you have 6 digits coming in cash you can definitely spread that around wisely in Ohio using proper leverage, but I would be careful about planning to scale before your feet are even wet.

The sophisticated money is not buying in stagnant markets with poor fundamentals because they can achieve the 1% rule, can complete a BRRRR or because of more favorable landlord tenant laws exist just to highlight what’s rarely part of their acquisition criteria which is a stark contrast to the mindset of most within the BiggerPockets community.Since your focus is specifically on landlord tenant law component I’ll add those who follow the law, properly maintain their property, respond timely to tenant requests, use well drafted and fair leases and don’t unreasonably withhold deposits  find themselves in far less tenant controversies. 

How to you properly charge the tenants seasonal usage (high in winter/low in summer) and when there's not equal gas appliances between the units? 

You need to do more than a day of fixups - painting, carpet steam cleaned, cleaning all drawers and appliances, exterior touchups.You have a "perfect" process set out, but it's one that will push you to make a bad tenant decision and not vet them properly.

The second lien also means you’re in a junior position if the buyer defaults, so you’ll want to be aware of that risk too.Overall, owner financing can be a win-win, but it’s important to have everything structured properly to protect your interests.Cheers,William