This is confusing on several accounts. 

Over the years I have also built out several new construction residential homes and townhomes. 

There are also several local meetups for investors so it's easy to get involved. 

This can range from a few thousand to several hundred thousand dollars, depending on the complexity and size of the project

Several of my STR investor clients here in Colorado have used a designer, and they generally pick a few statement pieces that they spend money on and then go with FB marketplace  or even IKEA for smaller items. 

With a dozen properties you’d be talking about several thousand dollars out of pocket otherwise. 

Hi Thu, self-managed STR owner in the California High Desert and realtor who has helped several clients purchase properties for the purpose of renting on a short-term basis.General questions pertaining to the overall STR landscape should not incur a cost when directed at a PM/co-host.

Again, speaking in generalities as there is several niche and MSA specific opportunities as well.  

There is a property in OTR doing 250k and several others at 200k.

It can be done and it has been done (me along with several others).