I'd also suspect that as an owner-occupant, one might be able to skirt strict STR laws, and rent out a primary in an extremely in-demand market, especially in the near-term (think collecting huge fees seasonally around CU football games the next few years). 

We do lots of JV and have found that the best relationships are where everybody has "skin" in the game.

What I mean by this is the entire game of REI has now vaulted into the top 10-20% of W2 folks, but really the top 5% mainly the top 1-3%.

Randy  Thank you for sharing such valuable information—utilizing RentecDirect.com for streamlined tenant management and having go-to vendors for efficiency sounds like a game-changer.

Rel estate investing is a long term game.

You can hire an agent just to show and be a body if they are willing, While its not perfect, ChatGPT is a great tool to ask initial questions and get a launching pad (always verify what it tells you)  - @Drew Sygit - Good point about getting someone to help you with screening if they dont have any "skin in the game" so to speak.

What follows will probably sound somewhat pessimistic - but I put it out there for your consideration...Understand that your journey will be a long one, as real estate is usually not a get rich quick game.  

Adam, I am vaguely interested in BRRRR to vacation rental in cottage country to play the long term appreciation game.

these deals are done with your commercial banker .. they are not something that is advertised or talked about.. its why I keep all my accounts and my affiliated companies accounts at my commercial bank. you need to be able to talk to your personal banker and that banker needs to be in a Senior position.. thats how it worked for me.

And yes, there has been some good appreciation.But you're late to the game in most places (e.g.