Long-term leases are less operationally complex and face fewer regulatory risks - more stable and scalable option.

For pricing- take a look at listing nearby your home on furnished finder and FB marketplace to determine what market rents are and the features and amenities being offered. 

You look for comparable sales for other distressed properties that are similar and nearby and also counter that with finished version comps so you can see what your perceived spread could be.

This likely means fewer issues with payments and property upkeep. 

Being nearby allows you to monitor the property, understand the local market, and handle issues more easily.

Metro area will lead to there being fewer total units available, and higher occupancy in multifamily buildings.Population GrowthCoStar: Population Growth, DC Metro, United States (1/7/2025) Period Washington United States 2030 0.758% 0.498% 2029 0.758% 0.500% 2028 0.757% 0.507% 2027 0.765% 0.515% 2026 0.834% 0.532% 2025 0.966% 0.563% 2024 0.983% 0.569% 2023 0.707% 0.500% 2022 0.262% 0.423% 2021 0.004% 0.189% 2020 0.123% 0.285% 2019 0.946% 0.514% 2018 0.947% 0.562% 2017 1.058% 0.657% 2016 1.079% 0.762% 2015 1.125% 0.785% Washington D.C Proper surpassed 700,000 residents for the first time since 2019, showing the continued resurgence of the city since issues that arose for the city during the Pandemic (Source).

I'm wondering how anyone does it in this area, or maybe I just have not been looking for long enough.I really would like to purchase in my area as it would be my first rental property, and I am most familiar with the northern VA area If this is not to be, I also am wondering what markets nearby would be better.I’m also in Fairfax County, and you’re absolutely right: Fairfax County and much of Northern VA are tough markets for cash flow, especially starting out without a substantial down payment.

The basic demo was complete and the property was ready for reassembly when we bought it, leaving fewer surprises.

I would like to think it is worth it, and that I could run a business model that serves fewer customers really well rather than deliver basic services at scale.  

Such strategic zoning decisions bolster the provision of affordable living spaces, invigorating local economies by amplifying the consumer base to support nearby businesses.