Initially was thinking closer to LA … Palm Springs, Big bear, Joshua tree etc.

.- Some pools are high maintenance (debris from trees, plants, difficult to balance chemicals, etc). and require a pool service.

when I bought it it was ag land.. and un build-able ( would not perc)  well city moved out we are now in the city zoned mixed use resi.. and Graton casino is right across the street.. currently on the market for 3 million.. if I don't sell it I will build it out.. 720 acres  Timber but the front 120 was zoned for 10 acre lots.. and timber was too young to harvest at the time.paid 1.8  cash  no cash flow.. 3 years later sold off the 10S for 2.2 million so recouped.. held remaining timber land did 4 harvests over the years for about 100k net each.. then sold the remaining tree farm to Stimpson for 2.2 million..

He told me that there was a palm tree growing through a part of the house.

@David OgasSounds like you can’t see the forest for all the trees! 

Bob, one cherry picked property in a specific market doesn't prove your point.

We immediately replaced the roof which had accumulated 5 years of tree limbs and leaves, and installed new gutters.

And the landscaping seems light unless the property is devoid of all trees and grass.

Some properties may go 2 to 3 years without maintenance while another property may have a tree fall over on its fence causing them to have higher maintenance.  

I would grow my own bamboo and palm trees.