The median sales price increased 4.4 percent to $238,000.

They are not increasing taxes on some of the lower end properties.

The more adversarial your approach the higher the risk in increasing the cost.To determine the boundaries, check the legal descriptions of the properties in both of the deeds.

Increase profit and maximize tax savings

You have to be consistent with it as well.

My brother lives in Sydney (I'm an ex-pat Canadian with strong ties to Toronto and Calgary) and I can tell you, long-term, Canadian/Aus/NZ cities consistently rank high on the most livable city lists.

Is there anything else I should consider when assessing this increased risk?

I own a SFH in Los Angeles and am thinking of making some upgrades-1) opening up a retaining wall that leads into the backyard and install a sliding glass door2) adding a 10x12 wood floating deckMy questions are:1) How would I calculate the increase in value for these upgrades?

If updating the interior or exterior will allow you to increase rent and get paid back in "x" number of months, I would do it.On the other hand if you have good solid tenants I wouldn't mess with anything.Since your grandfather had these for 20 years some of the tenants may be due for a rate increase without any improvments

Usually i'd say stick to the lease, be consistent, and be firm.