I wanted to rent out our previous home and get another property that we could afford, and that would essentially pay for itself via house-hacking - Searching through that lens as my goal helped me be creative to make the deal happen, and it kept me on track rather than being persuaded by any house on the market.

The other good news is you ca use the rents of the other units as income to qualify so you can essentially qualify for a higher home price.That sets up your next investment property as you move out its now a 2-4 unit with multiple doors bringing in more income. 

A cap rate is essentially a measure of desirability for the market or neighborhood the property is in. 

I know it could rent and essentially pay for itself.

Understanding the nuances involved in each investment decision deeply and weighing these factors according to your investment goals and risk tolerance is essential.

Essentially the developer / property manager didn’t pay our contractual rental income for years (a sum of nearly $30k) and I didn’t have much recourse.

I agree that it is essential to understand the differences in every sub-market. 

Below are a few things I look for in a vacation rental cleaner:1) Hot Tub Maintenance: Since many of my properties include hot tubs, it's essential that my cleaners are experienced in testing water quality and adding the appropriate chemicals as needed. 2) Clear Communication: Real-time communication is crucial for me.

There is a high cost to renovating a non-restaurant space into a kitchen, especially if you need everything like grills, hood vents, walk-in coolers and grease traps in floors, not to mention the utilities to service all of the above.

There is a reason Wall Street investors buy single-family homes. 3 single family homes in the same area is essentially the same as a tri-plex.