Planning for flexibility with frequent moves and understanding property management will set you up for success when you start investing in 2026.Good luck!

By house hacking, you're immediately positioned as a landlord, which will adequately pressure you to learn how to structure your leases, screen applications, collect rental payments, resolve the nuances of managing tenants and addressing property issues, etc.

They often provide standardized lease agreements that comply with state and local laws.Additionally, many landlords use platforms like Avail, Zillow Rental Manager, or TurboTenant, which often include customizable lease templates that are state-specific.

I’m not looking for a completely passive approach, even though I’d be managing it from outside the country.

With $150k here you’re just a little tight on budget but can make it happen if you self-manage and do your own furnishing and design.  

We are out of state and have local property managers.

Based on my experience managing a significant number of rentals, leasing back to a seller can work, but it’s essential to approach it carefully.Lease Start Date:The lease should be signed at closing and start on the same day—Monday in your case.

Likewise, a property manager should be added to a landlord's policy.From my blog: What does it mean to add your property manager as an additional insured?

I have not, I stated dealing with her manager who I do like.

Either way, clear communication with the guests about who’s managing the property is key to keeping reviews and satisfaction high.Permit Timing:The permit delay makes things tougher, but if you buy the furniture and keep future bookings, you might be able to use that time to update décor piece by piece without fully shutting down operations.