It can be a real balancing act.If you go the full MTR, reach out to the school and make sure they know you have a nice place for visiting professors, doctors, nurses etc who are there for an extended stay. 20k is a decent sized school so you might be able to fill up just on that.

Does the PM personally visit every property or is it someone else (for example a maintenance worker?) 

I get the nerves, but you're already thinking ahead for your family and that’s huge.

If I was going to improve on one thing, I could certainly tighten up my turnover process and make units ready to rent again a little faster or even advertise a little ahead of when they are ready.

I went to Memphis a couple of weeks ago to visit with Kenny Shaw and some of his people and they showed me some of their projects in progress and gave a rundown on mine.  

Opt for a property management company with deep regional expertise to get the most out of your investment.Property Expertise: Look for a firm that has experience managing properties similar to yours and is familiar with your asset class’s specific challenges.Company Culture: Choose a firm with a customer-focused culture that values team management and service, as this directly affects property performance.Market Reputation: Speak with local brokers and visit managed properties to get a sense of the company’s track record.By focusing on these factors, you can find a property management company that aligns with your goals and delivers real value.

I hope you enjoy your visit!

You will be ahead of most investors.  5.  

I’d love to hear your thoughts on how you're planning to stay ahead in this market.

However, there are some challenges to keep in mind:Regulatory Variations: Regulations can vary widely between locations and are constantly evolving.Active Management: STRs require more hands-on management for guest turnover and communication.Additional Costs: Don’t forget about expenses for furnishings, cleaning, and possibly hiring a property manager.If you’re looking for STR-friendly areas, consider these locations, as others can be too expensive to consider, such as Snowmass Village or Aspen:Breckenridge: The most visited ski resort in North America, attracting around 3 million tourists each year.Steamboat Springs: A popular year-round destination for winter sports and summer activities.Keystone: Great for those wanting a less crowded resort experience.Divide & Florissant: Charming mountain towns close to Colorado Springs.Fairplay: Just 30 minutes south of Breckenridge, with an impressive 82% Airbnb occupancy rate.Cripple Creek: A former mining town now known for casinos and outdoor activities.Park County: Very Airbnb-friendly, though regulations may change.Here are some strategies to help you succeed in the STR market:Hybrid Model: Consider using some units for STRs and others for long-term rentals to balance income.Research Local Regulations: Always check the current rules in your target areas before investing.Year-Round Appeal: Focus on locations that attract visitors in all seasons.Quality Furnishings: Invest in quality to justify higher nightly rates and attract better guests.Dynamic Pricing: Use pricing strategies to maximize revenue during peak seasons while maintaining occupancy in the off-season.Stay Flexible: Be ready to adapt your strategy as the market and regulations change.While Colorado’s STR market offers exciting opportunities, it’s essential to approach it strategically.