So most agents are only putting about half of that $12k in their pocket, and out of that $6k they have to cover all of their operating expenses: licensing fees, MLS/ Realtor Association fees, continuing education classes to stay compliant with licensing requirements, monthly "desk" fees/ technology fees to their brokerage, health insurance for themselves and their family, errors and omissions insurance (required), marketing, car, car insurance, gas, clothes, computer/ software, cell phone, closing gifts, signs, photography, staging if they offer that, etc.

@John Postma We are working with about 5 owners that are at the same stage as you with almost identical stories.

STR can provide more cash (potentially), but its a high risk high reward strategy - if you invest in the furniture, staging, photos, and management or self manage, there is a lot of time and money invested.

It's staged with a daybed + trundle (plus 2 chairs, coffee table and TV; its a good size), but the windows do not open, so egress by stairs only. 

So I'm still in the "prepping" stage of investing, learning all I can.

My wife and I are now at a stage in life where we’re looking to move from a condo rental in the city to a home in the suburbs.

The sale included a sound stage and all types of equipment.

I hasten to add that we are at early stages with the 16 unit building, but it certainly seems to be the case so far.

The exact return is yet to be known since I'm very early in the stage.

*Development plans for expanded Hoffman Town Center*Although specific tenants have not been named yet due to the development being in the earlier design and planning stages, the vision as described by Hoffman Co. is a commercial and residential mixed-use development including a new public school, storage center, city agency training, a farmer's market, festival space, beer garden, and "other similar uses approved by the city".Sources:Developer laying groundwork to go bigger in Alexandria’s Eisenhower corridorAlexandria considering big plans for properties next to Eisenhower Avenue Metro stationPotomac Yards Alexandria: The 2$ Billion Sports Arena is not the Biggest Development in the Pipeline for Potomac YardsThe Sports Arena was a recent idea that was part of a bigger plan approved in 2017, that called for a massive shopping center at Potomac Yards and the surrounding area to be redeveloped into 1.9 million square feet of office space, 1.1 million square feet of residential space, 900,000 square feet of retail, 300 room hotel, and 9.3 acres of open space by JPG Smith.