And, as much as HOA's can be a pain, they do keep an eye on things so if your tenants are doing something they shouldn't be you will likely find out about it, where in a SFR you may never find out.In general a lot of people don't like HOA's or CC&R's (I get it), or the possibility of unplanned special assessments (I get that too), but a certain percentage of the HOA dues you would have to pay in a SFR anyway (landscaping, painting, repairs and maintenance, insurance for the outside, pool/spa, gates, etc). 

I have plenty of friends who make a lot of money off of short term rentals and with the right system it's no more of a pain than long term.

I made a spreadsheet from scratch and it was a pain.

@Chris Shelton, same here brotherJust finished a 2.5 month rehab on a rental in Fayetteville, done myself, what a pain since I live in a raleigh.

I am from Kansas City also and finding solid contractors is a pain!

I also share your pain on that bat poop clean up lol.

I've been searching for my first investment for 4 months now, and boy has it been painful!

My friends that have gone the VA loan route have all complained about how much of a pain it was because of the stupid little stuff they wanted fixed, so that will definitely help you.

It is a pain in the ***, but keep meticulous records for your CPA to offset first year costs and self-employment tax.Good luck Nick!!!

Do you suspect the lead pain or has it been professionally tested?