Transparency, regular communication, and clear milestones have been critical to making this successful.For those of you who are considering working with private lenders or want to improve your deal structure, I hope this gives you some food for thought.

You'll improve over time, but this basic formula remains.1.

And sometimes, we are not materially improving what you could have done  yourself. 

It’s inexpensive to provide but can make a big impact.Comfortable Bedding: Investing in high-quality mattresses, pillows, and linens improves the guest experience and leads to better reviews, which can boost occupancy rates.Smart TV or Streaming Services: Offering Netflix, Hulu, or similar services is a low-cost way to enhance guest entertainment and stay competitive.Fully Stocked Kitchen: A well-equipped kitchen with basic appliances and utensils appeals to families and long-term guests, saving them money on dining out.Dedicated Workspace: If your property caters to remote workers, adding a small desk and ergonomic chair can set your listing apart.Outdoor Spaces: If your property allows, an outdoor seating area, fire pit, or hot tub can significantly increase your nightly rate and attract more bookings.Energy-Efficient Features: Guests appreciate eco-friendly options like LED lighting, smart thermostats, or solar panels, especially in eco-conscious markets.Keyless Entry: A smart lock is a relatively small investment but offers convenience and security, which many guests value.If you’re deciding on amenities to add, it’s always a good idea to research your local market.

.- Revolving Credit & Liquidity Management:Instead of taking out separate loans for each property, consider portfolio financing and cross-collateralization strategies to streamline funding and improve cash flow.- Creative Financing Solutions:Options like subject-to deals, seller financing, and syndications can lower capital requirements and increase your purchasing power while providing flexibility for properties with complex financial situations.4.

Seek Properties with Value-Add PotentialInvest in properties with room for improvement.

I was a SWO for 8 years, and the best thing I did to improve my financial life was real estate investing. 

Hey Tod, I took a very brief look at your first listing, airbnb.com/h/newport1bedroom, and the thing that jumps out at me as far as improving it is: address the 1-star review head on without attacking the reviewer.

With things like the ONE Linden plan in Linden, which is a 50M plan to improve the neighborhood.

If enacted, these changes would bolster real estate valuations and enhance returns for investors.How Real Estate Outperforms Under Different ScenariosIf Interest Rates Rise (Higher Inflation):Treasuries: Medium- to long-term bonds lose value, potentially resulting in negative returns.Real Estate: Higher inflation leads to rent growth, boosting net operating income (NOI) and offsetting the impact of higher borrowing costs.If Interest Rates Fall (Cooling Economy):Treasuries: Bonds appreciate in value, improving returns.Real Estate: Lower rates drive cap rate compression, significantly increasing property valuations and returns for investors.Conclusion: Asymmetric Risk-Reward in Real EstateWhile Treasuries offer a safe haven, they also come with limited upside and potential interest rate risks for medium- to long-term maturities.