@Marc ShinI'd hire professional management...If it's going to be an STR, you really need it to be top notch, appear top notch, and be managed top notch"Minor updates" may not cut itBut I only have the limited information you posted

The jobs report likely won't impact whether rate cuts will come, but could impact by HOW MUCH rates will be cut.

For the 10 year period spanning August 2014-2024, single-family prices in Austin nearly doubled, yielding an annualized appreciation rate of ~9.5%.With inflation nearing its 2% target and signs of a slowing labor market, The Federal Reserve is predicted to cut rates as many as three times before the end of 2024 (see here).

The “how bad do you want it “is a great headline” but not everyone is cut out to do certain things.

That would leave you with $230k to do the renovation, and cut down your negative carry by 2/3. 

since my goal is to be able to cut down my hours for quality of life purposes.

This is California for you, cut throat.Lastly, we have no copy of the loan contract and all we have is the paperwork from the Elite Home Energy ( work order and notice of cancellation).

I have seen too many people not only getting in trouble with the IRS, but losing their investments to sketchy but appetizing "opportunities" to cut taxes.

Quote from @Tiffany Roberts: Not everyone is cut out to be a Landlord.Yes, you may kick yourself in 10 years.

Here is a quick update on the market for you:Fed's almost certainly going to cut rates this month—traders are split on how big it'll be though.Odds are at 75% for a 25-basis point cut and 25% for a 50-basis point cut.