Oh man- welcome to self management.

This is the foundation of why LaPlante Real Estate is based in portfolio management and property management... my personal portfolio started in 2009 and I find the majority tends to be Section 8. 

How would you manage risk? 

The main downside is being dependent on the HOA—issues like poor management, rising fees, or unexpected assessments can hurt your investment.

Approx 5 commercial  properties with total combined value book value 12m .. actual maybe 20-25m?

Your plan to house hack a multifamily property in Indianapolis is a great strategy to start building equity and learning the ropes with manageable risk.

However, consider STR seasonality, local regulations, and management demands, and ensure your equity loan and new primary residence costs fit comfortably within your budget.

Or subs or property managers who run off the rails. 

From experience, finding a knowledgeable accountant is key for handling taxes effectively, especially when splitting expenses, claiming deductions, and managing depreciation.

I have a feeling just starting out my home is not going to get much exposure on sites like air bnb or vrbo until I get some good reviews.If anyone has experience in this market I would be intrigued to hear how best to manage my new STR.