Quote from @Zach Howard: Quote from @Jonathan Greene: If you are looking at properties in the US only on Zillow, and not seeing them in person (I know you are in Hong Kong), this is just an effort in futility because you can't underwrite single-family or small multifamily deals only online.

With no movement towards finish line for years.

It's putting out lots of fires, managing finances like a hawk, keeping projects on time, in line and on budget, marketing the property & getting it through closing, and *then* doing it all over again - and that's if you're not doing any of the work yourself. 

Or maybe it's on a ridge with a view.

This really helped me dive into the numbers, make corrections and left me with something that I know I can trust.Not down playing ChatGPT at all, I just try to be self-sufficient when I can.

As for the rest of it, you can find a lot of useful tips on past forum posts along with podcasts and youtube material on the topic (BP and other RE sources).We've self managed STRs for a few years.

I wanted to provide an update on the status of my situation.

Not really sure how to go about financing but we're planning on having a down payment at or slightly above $100,000 and don't want to pay more than $3100ish per month. 

Seems like the new on line marketing methods  Section 8 is the new shinny object..

In effect, you will end up paying tax on your refi cash later on, when you sell the property.