Everyone will tell you it’s great to get started early, or you can just move after a year, but in the current environment in our region the rent your property will generate after you move out will likely be less than your mortgage, if you are tied to the area and feel confident you want to stay in whatever property you buy for 3-5 years go for it, if you want flexibility rent and throw that money into and index fund. 

I'm currently working with a lender that has a $50k minimum, and his rates and customer service have been great so far.

As an investor looking to purchase an STR in a ski town, I’m not sure I’d feel that confident in a court deciding in my favor, personally.

Hope all of that makes sense but feel free to post with anything else. 

Feel free to reach out if you have any advice for a newcomer or if you're also investing in the Kirkland area!

Feel free to PM!

How do you think the 2 relatives will feel about having their rent raised or being required to pay rent period?

If managing it yourself feels unsustainable in the long run, hiring a good property manager could give you more peace of mind.Since a 1031 exchange or like-kind replacement doesn’t seem to be a good fit for your current situation, you could consider a HELOC if you need to tap into the equity for other investments without selling the property, although rates are high so this would eat up your cash flow.

With the cost of utilities and the level of comfort people feel is mandatory now there is no way I would want to be on the hook for it. 

@Martti Eckert I live in Los Angeles and have done a handful of BRRRRs in Missouri so feel free to reach out with any lending related questions to pulling off BRRRRs in Ohio.