AirBnb Considerations for Upstate NY

[Matthew H.]

Hi BP Community - I know there have been a few similar posts on here but being new to RE investing I wanted to pose my questions directly. 

I'm a (will be) first time investor looking at potentially buying in upstate NY, think Windham/Hunter, I'm a big outdoors fan so this would be a mixed personal use and ST rental property (thinking AirBnb, VRBO, etc). I am looking mostly at 2/3 BD 2+ bath properties with ideally a max price point of ~350k. While I will definitely use this property periodically for personal leisure, I am seeking for ST rental income to fully cover expenses (and then some). Ideally looking to finance the property with 90%+ LTV to boost overall return. I have strong credit and would be able cover the costs in the case the rental situation doesn't come to fruition, however where I am hung up is #1 - comping out properties in these more rural areas where there is lower volume and inventory to compare on a $/sqft basis let alone if the information is available and #2 - the majority of the properties I am looking at are older (built 1960s-1980s) some have cosmetic renovations but likely still old bones..this brings me to the my final point is building your 'team' I how have others found reliable inspectors, handymen, emergency services contractors, even cleaners for rental properties?

Anyway I would appreciate any insight on my overall idea, its feasibility, and any suggestions for someone just getting their feet wet! Also FYI I currently live in North NJ ~2hours south of where I am looking to buy.