We are 4 months into it, so it’s still relatively new for us, but we both enjoy being hosts and the income has been solid.

I would think of this problem differently: I might encourage them to explore ADUs... this would give them an additional stream of income and would likely only require a relatively small chunk of money in their savings (relative to the total cost).If they could partner with someone that has experience building and/or flipping (to qualify for the construction loan), then cash them out with a 30-yr DSCR loan (and use that as the builder's profit), then they could rent the property and enjoy the cash-flow.

Steven, thanks enjoyed the post.

I earn much higher returns than I ever did as a rental investor, and don't have to lift a finger after the initial vetting discussion.That said, some investors really do enjoy building a side hustle business around real estate.

First, that's what you can afford, secondly your new and you have no idea what the roller coaster feels like yet so sitting in front raising your hands on the big drops and enjoying it may not be the case. 

STR you personally can enjoy the property too2.

The community has great UTV trails, so bought a Mule (not that expensive and built like a tank) to enjoy the trails.

Many investors, like you also enjoy coming here with their families and using the homes.

@Jake ToltonWe've enjoyed working with the rent to retirement team the past few years, and are still working with them. 

It also sounds like you enjoyed the hosting process and the communication with your guests and potential guests when you were handling your bookings yourself.So I say why not take back control of your property's bookings, get back into the game and save yourself some money?