I've allowed pets in my STR for five years and haven't had any problems except some extra cleaning a couple times, which was paid for by the guest. 

I've got a couple of soft factor questions I'm not sure how to analyze and would love to speak to a few of you more experienced types!

My husband and I live in San Antonio and have been investing in real estate for a couple years.

Wait a couple of years and use your investment knowledge/experience along with your equity to invest in other properties i.e. those located in less expensive markets.All the best!

Also talk with an insurance broker and be upfront with them and ask for quotes on a couple on the market deals that would be similar to what you want.

If you SLOWLY add variables after you have solved the same problem a couple times it gets easier with less risk.I sadly had a very hard time with FOCUS and switched things up on nearly every project, creating new challenges.  

Many landlords also prefer to rent only to Section 8 tenants, so it can be harder for voucher holders to find the right house unless it’s specifically listed as "Section 8 welcome."

I'm new here and I have spent a couple of years studying real estate investing strategies.

Not sure what the process is like there but compared to NY, it is a faster process.We just toured an occupied 4-family in NY today with a client and the eviction process for those tenants commenced not long ago (within the last couple of weeks).

Are you not able to make up the difference with the HELOC and the rentals or would you prefer not to?