Thank you all for the energy and effort you put in here. 

If your property in Illinois is doing well, have you though about clustering around that to reduce your management costs.

Property management, construction, maintenance, Realty, Beverage, energy, etc...

In your case though, I've heard of people in Denver proper with duplexes who parter with LTR tenants (you could put them in the basement) who will co-host with you and be able to get a STR permit since it's their primary residence and you can work out a profit split for the STR or some kind of reduced rent for your LTR in exchange for helping you and you being able to keep the STR runningJust a creative idea I wanted to toss out as a potential plan B or plan C!

This approach can help keep your taxable income lower, thereby reducing your PSLF payment amount, which is calculated as 10% of your taxable income.

If you sell the house, your repair and improvement costs will be added to the cost basis, reducing your taxable profit.

Automating rent collection is another smart move, it reduces headaches and ensures timely payments.For future growth, having access to financing options will be crucial.

Buy a SF rental, add some value (minor rehab), and refinance as the FED reduces rates in 2025-2026.

My biggest tip would be to attend in-person meetups; we actually have one coming up this Saturday if you are free: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521/topics/1209859-lear...There is something about meeting like-minded people in person that really seems to create a positive energy. 

Without positive reviews, you often have to reduce rent to obtain tenants.