Don't like the rent in Malibu, there are much cheaper units in Frozen Nuts, Nebraska.

But they don't need to pay more here as our area has always had strong rental demand, and some slowing would likely be a good thing as it's been nuts. 

If you already 'get it' - that the only way to work is not for someone else after getting a college education, or that acquiring a house or two every year will make you wealthy - then I'd get to nuts and bolts about how and what to buy.  

Amenities include a pool, spa, big covered deck, fishing pond, hiking trails.

This means that the electrical is likely made from copper and is grounded.Running new ground wires and fishing wires behind walls can be very expensive, so having electrical that is similar to today's code is a plusProperties in this era also had ductwork - meaning forced air heating and cooling.

The difference in rent is about $300 with the lower rent being in the less expensive home that has not increased a lot in price, the other was almost double the price and has more than doubled in price (that market is nuts)...so I get a less rent relative to the price of the home, but the increase in the value of the home more than makes up for it.

Large lake, fishing, canoeing etc. adjacent to blm land, hunting, hiking, shooting, outdoor types of recreation opportunities, as well as being situated in the heart of one of Oregon's wine countries, with 3 wineries within 15 minutes of the property.

@Laureen Youngblood, that is nuts that you have to be licensed to lay tile!

PETS: No animal, fowl, fish, reptile, and/or pet of any kind shall be kept on or about the premises, for any amount of time, without obtaining the prior written consent and meeting the requirements of the OWNER.

Thanks, John.Your thoughtful answer clarified more than just the nuts and bolts of these strategies.