I advertised my first vacancy on Craigslist, which is also where I may have (memory on this is rusty) found my second property, ~two months after buying my first.It took me a few years after starting to invest locally (as a landlord) to meet someone who had been doing that for longer and in multiple markets.

I include a photo of my family and explain my desire to own in this area I have fond memories of. 

…Going from memory, I believe it was 1.5% but it was quite a few years ago so I could be a little off but it was much less than 5% to 6% that is common here.   

Another factor to consider, the main season for tourism seems to be between Memorial day to Labour day, and pretty much dies down completely after that. 

Beside the “subject to” that’s recently become the subject of much debate we utilized  ”no interest short term owner financing”, the “2nd mortgage crank”, substitution of collateral, mortgage subordination, wrap loans, real estate “exchange” (not for tax reasons), sale - lease back, guaranteed rent payments, sale - buy back, land offered in lieu of down payment, zero coupon bonds as substitution of collateral, and a few others that escape my memory.  

We have also made countless memories at our primary cabin.

1438 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Dr Crawfordville, FL 32327Minutes away from the beaches, lakes, and the city of Crawfordville, FL 2 story 3 bed / 2.5 bathPurchase price: $95,000 Inspection: 15 daysEMD: $500 6/29/2024Est.

What began as a very soft Spring STR shopping season crescendoed with Memorial Day weekend resulting in prime active listings going pending within just a few days and several with multiple offers. 

And yet…this crazy business has brought our family closer, we have a trusted group of employees who are proud to work for us (and we pay them benefits) and we keep on reminding ourselves that our guests are making lifelong memories when they stay in our homes.

I would not look at the previous 15 years and think the market will continue with double digit appreciation or you may be setting yourself up for a big disappointment. and agree, good thread...   36 years of age and lived a life that some wouldn't in 3 lifetimes lolTravelled the world and experienced many cultures.Experienced some amazing things and moments/memories that I will cherish for as long as I live.Each to their own but monthly cashflow was able to provide this for me.Be it from rentals, flipping or our PM business.Yes, worked hard for it but IMO nothing can beat "hard work".Building equity and waiting for appreciation is all good and great for those that want to wave their D@#% and say "look how big mine is".Then passing it on to an entitled/spoilt $#%@ of a child hehe that will take it for granted and most likely loose it.Personally, I'd rather enjoy life as much as I can and live for moment.Teach my kids how to fish and not just give them the fish.Cashflow provides opportunities for those "moments/memories" TODAY and not in 10 years.Isn't real estate investing suppose to make our life more enjoyable and better in the present moment?