Reattach thermostat(why was it off ) but it’s a couple screws.

There simply are too many people attempted to get their hands in our pockets. 

That's why I came across turnkey properties for some hand holding as you mentioned.  

.✅ Hands-On Experience – If you plan to grow your real estate portfolio, managing tenants yourself can teach you valuable lessons about leases, maintenance, and local rental laws.✅ More Control – You’ll personally handle tenant screening, rent collection, and property upkeep, ensuring everything is done to your standards.✅ Stronger Tenant Relationships – Being involved directly allows you to build rapport with your tenants, which can lead to better communication and longer leases.Cons of Self-Managing❌ Time-Consuming – Dealing with maintenance requests, late-night emergencies, and tenant disputes can quickly become a second job.❌ Legal Risks – Chicago has strict landlord-tenant laws.

Would love to connect and share insights on building a hands-off, cash-flowing portfolio!

We have ~45 MTR units, a handful of LTR units, and 1 STR unit.

AI is not some magical, all-knowing miracle that can pull leads out of thin air.AI is simply a faster, more hands-off way to find the same low-quality leads you get from DMM, cold calling, and SMS marketing.You’re not improving lead quality—you’re just finding bad leads faster.

A couple that come to mind are Madera County (Oakhurst, North Fork, Bass Lake) and Placer County (Loomis, Auburn, Newcastle).

Quote from @Shiloh Lundahl: @Jay Hinrichs so it sounds like you don't feel like you got punched in the face by real estate over the past couple of years. 

None of these communities will be changing to residential neighborhoods, although a couple do have residential 'sides' that full time residents live in and can not be rented short term.Two of the big communities that you will have some issues with self managing are Reunion and Margaritaville.