Oil and gas engineers feel comfortable investing in energy companies.

The energy around these people is contagious!

Thereafter, we could start to shift our focus and energy. 

You are wasting time and energy trying to solye the problem yourself.  

Not sure about cali's energy code so you'd have to research that. 

Here are some of the options we are considering:1) Keep the system basically as is, but update it for greater energy efficiency. - Install two new high efficiency condensing boilers, and update windows and insulation for better heat loss performance.PROS - a) minimally invasive; b) can provide 15-30% reduction in heating costs (we are told).CONS - a)total gas expense is still paid by the landlord; b) individual units won't have individual control (except for a thermostat controlled shutoff valve for heat/water in each unit); c) AC would be available on with in wall/window units. 2) Try to individually meter each units' gas and provide each with a traditional forced air heating/cooling system.PROS: a)gas expense could be completely removed for landlord (huge)- even tankless hot water could be installed in each unit; b) each unit would have their own climate control.CONS: a) constructions costs of running new gas lines and soffiting sheet metal duct work. b) highly invasive with collateral construction costs; c) future costs of maintenance on multiple systems vs a single building-wide system. 3) An electric based heating system- This is tricky in my mind because of the high cost of electric heat.

For 12 units, you might see a different with energy efficient fixtures. 

But with no experience and a demanding schedule as a dentist, you may not have the time, energy and focus needed in order to create outsized returns above that of your interest rate. 5.

However, if I were to land a job not relating to real estate, I fear that my time and energy would push me farther and farther away from my ultimate goals of REI due to my innate ability to focus and dedicate everything to what is in the present.

If you made it to the end and still have energy to give me some advice... big thanks.