Additionally, Gilbert and Chandler have emerged as strong markets for short-term rentals, benefiting from a combination of year-round tourism, a family-friendly atmosphere, and proximity to major attractions.

Here is the source for the commission rate, right from the Sitzler NAR lawsuit judgement (bold text added):"In addition to training, Plaintiffs have presented expert testimony showing that Section 2-G-1 had the effect of stabilizing commission rates.

If the marginal cost increase in buying a house that can be house hacked (a house with a basement, a duplex, etc.) is less than the rents you expect to bring in from renting the additional space, why not do it?

additional challenges are the inventory shortage and good contractors being extremely busy. 

If these are even an average sized breed they can eat through a lot of food in a day/week/month.So the first thing is to get yourself financially stable.

In addition to my surrounding area of Bridgeport, I am also open to looking in New Haven County, Middlesex, and Hartford as well as an out of state market (Detroit, MI). 

Creating a catalogue of info and answers for the general benefit of those in the future in addition to the poster.

My advice would be to partner with someone who has additional funds so you can buy something that is of quality. $8k won't get you anything in a class B or A market with 20% down or even 10% down. keep going though!

Then, take additional distributions quarterly if the business is profitable.

I will investigate TCS to see if I can add it to my funding arsenal.