If a deal aligns with your strategy and financial objectives, then it could be a great opportunity regardless of the motivations of the realtor involved.As for advice for a beginner, it sounds like you're already taking proactive steps by planning a trip to scope out neighborhoods and define your buy box area.

If the financial strain of holding the property outweighs the potential for future appreciation or puts you in a precarious financial position, selling might be the safer option.Ultimately, the decision to sell or hold should align with your long-term investment goals, financial stability, and risk tolerance.

At some point you need a new roof, plumbing, windows, HVAC, etc - setting aside 5% of rent may cover a new water heater, but very few components of a house last more than 50 years.It's 2024: books written in 2015 or 2018 are based on the market conditions in year 5 years before they were written.

They can provide specific insights based on current market conditions and help you make informed decisions aligned with your goals.

While the design a key component to getting people to book your property, the stay experience is key.  

There's so much wisdom to be gained from those who have walked the path before us.I appreciate the encouragement to absorb as much free knowledge as possible and to explore different strategies until finding the one that aligns best with my goals and preferences.

I understand that there are multiple paths I could take, such as rentals, flips, or wholesaling, and I'm trying to figure out which path aligns best with my goals and current situation.Here's my question for all seasoned investors: What would be your first step if you were starting your investment journey today with the knowledge you now possess?

Death and tax's, those are your 2 "guarantees" in life, everything else has a risk factor, a component of "chaos" in it. 

@Katie BalatbatThank you for the reply, this all seems to align with the research I've done online so far. 

This then wraps back into the raising capital dilemma, as that is the major component that I'm missing.I know this was a post full of jarbled thoughts and questions but if anyone has even a shred of insight or advice, that would be much appreciated!