Quote from @Jackson Harris: Hey Lotus,I own a few STR's in Arizona right now that I picked up over the last few years.

I’ve seen investors spread too thin by picking up multiple inexpensive properties in less desirable neighborhoods, only to be hit with constant maintenance issues and tenant turnover.That said, there are still opportunities in the Midwest where you can find properties in stable, growing areas.

Sellers are sophisticated enough to pick the best offer, they only see the price and the terms, any other negotiating tactics are a waste of time.  

We also do a few other things on move-in day.... we put drop cloth runners down in the traffic areas, loan the tenants the use of moving blankets, furniture sliders, an appliance dolly, and shoe covers. 

My dad is a long time investor and I've picked a few things up from him, but the majority of my knowledge has come from consuming mass amounts of books, podcasts, and reading the forums here on BiggerPockets. 

Houston is pretty slim picking these days.

If you do it yourself you need to pay for all the furniture and in slow seasons you might not get paid much.What is the best way to get an estimate how much the property can make as STR?

We don't have a date picked out yet, but it will be in August.

Im currently with reedy but looking to hear about othersI currently manage my own properties but If I had to pick I would use Patrick Burleson at RiverTown Realty.

Now I think I need to get back to seeing what people are doing and seeing if I can pick up any gems.As for the areas, I would agree.