I think it's all about seeing what's happening in the 5-10 block vicinity of your property, and waiting for the trends to tell you what to do or not do to command more rent.

You are most likely not going to be all in on a property for $50,000 and command a rent much higher than $500 - $595.  

Self storage is pretty saturated here..My experience has been 4 plexes cost a little more per ft to build than the larger complexes but they command a little more rent.

Let's suppose you fix up a kitchen (or some other thing).Let's suppose that will allow you to command $175/month more in rent, and let's suppose you have a vacant month each year, normally.Let's further suppose that it will cost $10,000.

The best districts always command a good demand.

Given your highly desirable scenario, in a great California market, if the loan were at 8% what kind of price would that seasoned loan command?

And this was a retail purchase right off the MLS.So, why would someone purchase a property for $100K that needed a $30K renovation and was maybe worth $110K-120K  as a flip or only command $1250 per month as a rental? 

Rentals on Zillow and Craigslist) to see what the market commands.

Usually that area gets commands 700-1000 depending on number of bedrooms/bathrooms and condition of unit and surroundings.what I do to squeeze out more money is to rent out the garage and storage areas.

Springdale is pricier but could probably command higher rents if you can find a place.