If you think you can manage a mortgage, taxes, insurance and the upkeep of a home while paying your student loans then buying is not  bad idea but if you think you will overstretch yourself renting is nto bad either.

From there, it's easy enough to look up the tax rate for corporations and make your tax burden assumption.

Given the market conditions and your hard money loan, it might be wise to first calculate your monthly holding costs, including loan payments, taxes, and maintenance.

I'm thankful that I made a decision to self manage. even at a  distance I think it helps you avoid a lot of headaches

Most of those STR-specific risks are avoidable. 

I will probably avoid these guys for the moment, as I would hate to have capital tied up in lawsuits.  

To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.Even if someone give you a referral, don’t make the mistake of assuming that PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.We also can’t believe how many owners hire the first PMC they speak with!

Self-managing from out of state has been doable, but the challenges have added up, and I’ve realized I’ve missed things that could have been avoided with closer oversight.If you’re just starting and don’t already have a strong local network, I’d advise against self-management from out of state.

You'd need to show the income on your tax returns and/or have a lease and first month's rent/security deposit for the unit you were living in.

Avoid surfaces that can stain or feel cheap like low end LVP.