thanks for your time and help rent to retirement works directly with build to rent developers like us around the country once they are framed up. you are buying properties pretty much at market value but with a hand holding. you can work directly with a builder or directly with them. they are just an intermediary. they take 5% on what we make as a builder but have a large list of investors and a systemized approach to selling new builds. if you want to get a better deal I'd recommend directly contacting builders and building it yourself. fly to the market. spend 2 days, tour new builds, get a feeling for how it's going. if your builder isn't building multiple at a time then I wouldn't recommend working with them. rent to retirement is a well oiled and well run machine. they've had their ups and downs with dozens of transactions in florida but modified their process. they are well known and established and transparent. if you have a more specific market and feel confident in your ability to vet deals try it out. happy to talk more my info is in my signature. we work directly with them to sell new builds and no organization is perfect but I have good things to say about them as a builder and potential build to rent developer that sells build to rent triplexes and single family homes through them to end buyers in California like the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego 

After 6 months I have two properties and since day 1 they have been rented.However, making some numbers and organizing the 2025 budget I am not sure what to think about my first step on this journey.The rent covers the mortgages (10 year loan both) however I have to take out of my pocket some % to cover HOA and management fee.

Why not take his name off the LLC and put it in your name now while the LLC has $0 of value (or whatever nominal amount your articles of organization or operating agreement say that you contributed)?

If it is a contractor that is more organized they will likely do this already, if they are shooting from the hip "based on experience" they will likely just give you a total $ value. 

These documents include your operating agreement/ corporate bylaws, articles of organization, certificate of standing, and the EIN letter. 

@Stephen FlemingFrom my experience working with over 400 investors, your strategy of leveraging a low mortgage rate, tapping into home equity, and diversifying with a short-term rental (STR) in Northern Michigan is well thought out.

Pairing that with relationship-building will help you uncover off-market opportunities and find local experts who can guide you.For meetups, here are a few ideas:Indianapolis Real Estate Investors Association (Indy REIA): They have a mix of virtual and in-person events and are a good starting point for networking with other investors in the Indy market.Louisville Real Estate Investors Group (REIG): A similar organization for the Louisville market, with educational and networking opportunities.Check out BiggerPockets Meetups: Many cities have local meetups organized by investors active on BiggerPockets, and they often include virtual options.Facebook Groups: Look for local investing groups like "Indianapolis Real Estate Investors" or "Louisville REI."

I now am more selective about loan officers as well as lenders. 

This will help to reduce the premiums.Self Storage – “Company” Liability/Property insurance.Below is a summary of our Storage insurance for one location for your information.

Other:  -Custom closets are always well received.