Kailua-Kona -Lrg House,Vacation+FT Rental CashFlow,Noise & Hill

[Nate Morris]

My wife is looking to buy a rental property on West Hawaii, Big Island. The home we found is large w/ ocean view, 1 mile up from the beach, which has 2beds/bath downstairs and 3beds/2bath upstairs, separately entranced. The home is nicely remodeled and a successful vacation renter. A full time renter below who helps with gardening/trash/eyes&ears onsite. It is profitable & turnkey with a great local property manager. 

The location is on a bustling 2 lane highway, which is muted inside the home yet quite noisy outside the home, especially on the front decks. I have looked into ways to quiet the noise, water fountain, speakers on deck, possibly enclosing the deck with windows (though its not very attractive). The home is also on a hill, like most homes there, making for a steep driveway up to the vacation rental. 

The noise is disclosed on the rental and priced according. The property is profitable after financing as far as I can tell from the currently disclosed expenses. The reviews have been great for the past 1.5 years. 

How much should I factor my own personal opinion on the noise and location on 2 lane hwy versus the performance of the rental? 

Should I factor the driveway at all? 

Most people coming to Hi are excited to be there, on vacation, and not sitting in the house all day. 

Appreciate your insight!