If you are setting aside funds for capex, taxes, insurance, or other expenses that don't occur monthly, transfer those funds to Savings each month and hold them there until it's time to spend them.

What are true returns for comparison, before or after Income taxes? 

We plan to spend the next 6-12 months continuing to earn and save, as well as nail down a final market we want to househack in.

Not to mention the tax benefits it allows. 

Best of luck to all you out there.How much did you pay for these 3 buildings initially and how many years did it take you to earn the money to pay for them?  

How is it for preparing taxes? 

You know this and the reason I am saying that I am considering in getting a real state license is the connections, the access to listing off market and possibility of earning commission that I can use to increase my portfolio.I think that being an investor agent will help me build a reputation and that can be good or bad.

I do like the tax benefits and leverage.

Taxes have to be paid, so does insurance, what about maintenance? 

STRs have a huge earning potential but it's definitely something that takes a lot of time, patience, and effort these days.