Treat this property as a business and factor in all the associated expenses, including mortgage payments (if you pull a loan), maintenance, and potential vacancy periods.To simplify management and make this less of a hands-on job, I’d strongly recommend working with a property management company.

A second STR in a market with year-round cash flow potential might balance out your portfolio and give you more consistent income.

Louis, Memphis, and Birmingham offer a good balance of affordability and rental demand, while online platforms, auctions, and networking with local agents can help you find undervalued properties.

Specifically I think a lot about the smells that travel through the duct work between the units.

Quote from @John Teachout: Title work is typically done as part of the pre-closing paperwork.

Its a lot of money to put into someone who's new to their life or the industry.

The property offered a balanced investment opportunity—enough to significantly enhance its value through renovations, yet manageable in scope and cost.

Here's what I'd do: Create a Word Document or Google Document Titled "DRAFT: Life Vision" do not use a template, do not pay some guru for this.

Hello all, I'm working on trying to grow my rental business and looking at different avenues for funding. 

Nothing like word of mouth referrals.Either way you definitely want a way to check/verify their work before hiring them.