The cabin is in great shape after all the renovations, in a great location, and has a small mountain view.

IowaThe trend is towards the south or interior of the country, but what about those looking for Ocean friendly investment States and communities?

Most investors keep 30-50% equity in units in case if they have to face a downward trend in the future.

From what I've gathered in forums, there is a trend towards transitioning from coin-operated to cashless systems.

I am curious what shape the house was when it was half-gifted to you because reading between the lines it seems like you squatted in the gift and didn't do any maintenance and don't really know anything about owning or maintaining a house.I also don't know why you want to get a rental and be a landlord when a house you got as a gift is a disaster.

The idea behind this isn't novel of course, but a way to circumvent the endless and crowded sea of opinions and narrative shaping charlatans that make their daily bread by deluding the curious minds of some vague one-size-fits-all approach... but oak trees don't grow over night. 

Also looking at neighborhood trends.

But I may not be as in tune with the market trends as the rest of the professionals. 

So work with someone who can guide you through the maze of neighborhoods, numbers, types of properties, trends . . . :-)

The property was in pretty good shape, but suffered from poor management.