You can be proud of what you have achieved in a short amount of time, this is really impressive!

I have a guy who has been here since July, but I renew his short term stay for two weeks at a time, every two weeks.

They equate the period leading up to the time its ready to rent as the risky part of the real estate process and pay a premium to bypass that part but this leaves them with unreasonable expectations because the real estate they purchase is inherently risky.

I would share the link, but BP flagged my post last time for doing that. 

I'd sell because you are reaching the time when you lose the cap gains exemption and that $24K would take over 2 years of renting to get back.I had a condo that I owned for a long time and I sold it despite it being paid off and having long term tenants. 

At this time I manage and renovate majority of all my units to keep cost low but most likely not the best use of my time although I'm skilled at it.

I plan to consult a tax professional but before wasting anyone's time I would like to ask whether I can technically claim the property as a rental in 2024 even though our first contract started Jan. 1, 2025?

If you are setting aside funds for capex, taxes, insurance, or other expenses that don't occur monthly, transfer those funds to Savings each month and hold them there until it's time to spend them.

They are worth the money for a good hot tub that is mentioned all the time in reviews and doesn't have a ton of issues.

If you are able to follow this path over time you will do great.John