I’ve had to widen my search radius to smaller suburbs or target properties needing light cosmetic work to make the numbers work.Value-add opportunities: Adding amenities tenants love, like finished basements or upgraded kitchens, seems to justify rent premiums in this market.Navigating the competition:Be creative with financing: Seller financing or partnering with other investors has been helpful to secure deals when conventional offers didn’t cut it.Work with local agents and wholesalers: They often have their finger on the pulse of off-market opportunities, which is critical in a hot market.For those new to suburban Chicago investing, I’d say the key is finding the “sweet spot” neighborhoods—ones on the rise but not yet maxed out in price.

I think chatting with hosts is the BEST way to get sound and clear cut data (given they keep P/Ls, etc.) because I know I've heard from some folks rumor the idea that Airdna skews data a little bit to make numbers look better than actuality to encourage folks to invest in the area & use their platform to see data.

I can see when they're cleaning the pool, cutting the grass, servicing the HVAC unit outside, etc.

Can you do side hustles, cut down costs to get rid of these debts?

Would have to review documents about "waste" question.

Many of us have been there but you may not be cut out for real estate.

I was hoping the rate cuts in the last 12 months would have had more of an impact on mortgage rates. 

If you want to work with multiple agents, those agents know there's a very low chance of ever earning a dime, so they won't waste their time.Agents do much more than find property.

In related news, we had a guests for a  10 day stay and they wanted to cut the stay short.

As others say, make it crystal clear in your listing that the "shells may cut a dog's paws, and we don't allow pets."