It's not realistic the way you laid it out.

Currently in the military, and will be getting out in May 2026.

If you're planning on doing out of state investing, I would recommend a condo/townhouse.

Trump is talking of selling off government buildings and getting the federal government or GSA mostly out of the real estate business. 

I am interested in living in the basement, and renting out the upper unit on Airbnb.

My preference is to receive the full commission, then pay out the referral fee.

Each one will be using their droves of attorneys to find a way out of any liability, and instead trying to put the other insurance company on the hook.

Buy box: Location: Approx. 30 min drive to Boston Heights, for workNeighborhoods: Decent walkability score - not far from shops/restaurants/trendy neighborhoodsIdeal tenants: Close to hospitals/universities/schools for professionals/students/familiesBudget: $175-250K - Buying w/conventional loan, 5% down/ approx 20K reno.Property type: MFH 2-4 units - preferably side-by-side, with a yard we can fence for our dogUnits: 3+/1+ - better if 1.5/2 bath per unitTimeline: Plan to live there for 2 years, but possibly only 1 year if we find another investment opportunityGoal: Focus on appreciation - would like to see cash flow in year 2-3 (the year we move out), including overhead (Vacancies, Maintenance, Utilities) and budgeting in PM if eventually we don't manage ourselvesValue add: Opportunity for some forced appreciation, but not a full reno - cosmetic upgrades and updating kitchens/baths while we live in one unit.

Do any property managers out there employ (sub contract) assistants to manage the overflow of their responsibilities

Empty rooms don’t sell well, and you want your listing to stand out.