i think you can be successful if you are willing to do what you alluded to, which is spend time in person in your chosen market. 

I’ve had more success filling vacant units by word of mouth/ networking with other agents in my market recently than I have through the typical advertising methods.

Having reasonable expectations, hiring a local professional (Realtor or PM), doing your research, and doing everything right (i.e. pro photos, professional design, good renovation, proper amenities and location, etc) are the keys to success in 2025.

…Yogi BerraSetting written goals is the foundation of any successful venture.

That may not apply to you, as a financial professional, but I thought I would share the story.Obiously you could re-lever your portfolio to bring the ROE back up, but then you have to place those borrowed funds somewhere that nets a high enough return that the portfolio is ahead, given the drag of the interest and any transaction fees.    

Some gurus tell practicioners of sub-to to hide transaction from the lender by saying the lender doesn't care as long as the payments are being made.

The risk to my business is much too high just so the agent can make a little more money on the transaction. 

You rent it for one year and create a successful STR business that shows a trailing 12 month net income of $75,000.  

He has repeated the process in which you mentioned with success.

We've had some success recovering money owed, and we've seen it on credit reports.Recently a former tenant attempted to co-sign for another prospective tenant.