🚀 Real estate can be a challenge, but the rewards are absolutely worth it.

Thanks again for your time and expertise. 

I made my calendar available for twelve months because OTAs tend to reward open and available calendars.

Quote from @Waruna Yapa: Quote from @Patrick Roberts: The competence and expertise of the lender absolutely matter, as do the terms of the product.  

Hypothetically, if I found a property with strong rental demand, the income could cover loan payments, operating expenses, and generate a modest positive cash flow.While this example involves upfront risks, the idea would be to leverage my father’s expertise as a contractor to minimize renovation costs, boost the property’s value, and create a long-term asset that appreciates over time.

@Andrew Steffens the pool of buyers that have six figures of cash (you really need about $150k in cash to buy a $500k STR), have some subject matter expertise, AND want to self manage is even smaller. 

This is not my area of expertise, so wise people on this website will likely tell me not to venture into this!  

@Tove Fox - Residential Real Estate InvestingPros:Lower Entry Costs: Easier to get started with less capital required.High Demand: People always need homes, making demand relatively stable.Easier Financing: Mortgages are generally easier to secure with favorable terms.Simplicity: Easier to understand and manage, especially for beginners.Flexibility: You can use it as a personal residence or rent it out.Cons:Tenant Turnover: More frequent turnover leads to vacancy and more management.Lower Cash Flow: Income potential can be modest compared to commercial properties.Emotional Buyers: Residential prices can be influenced by emotions, leading to price volatility.Maintenance Burden: Landlords often deal with repairs and maintenance, which can be time-consuming.Commercial Real Estate InvestingPros:Higher Income Potential: Stronger cash flow and higher returns are common.Long-Term Leases: Tenants often sign longer leases (3-10 years), reducing vacancy risk.Professional Tenants: Business tenants tend to take better care of the property.Valuation Based on Income: Prices are based on the income the property generates, not market emotions.Shared Costs: Tenants often cover property expenses like taxes, insurance, and maintenance (via triple-net leases).Cons:High Entry Costs: Requires more capital or partnerships to get started.Complex Management: More expertise is needed; you may need a professional property manager.Economic Sensitivity: Commercial properties are more sensitive to economic conditions.Challenging Financing: Securing financing can be harder, with stricter terms and higher interest rates.Zoning and Legalities: More complex regulations compared to residential properties.Key Differences:Risk: Residential tends to be lower risk, while commercial offers higher rewards but with greater risk.Management: Residential is easier for DIY investors, while commercial properties usually require a team.Scalability: Commercial properties are easier to scale, offering more potential for significant cash flow increases.

I agree with your advice on specializing in a particular asset class, and I’m committed to refining my expertise in this area before expanding further.

Their expertise can often pay for itself in the form of reduced taxes and increased savings.Takeaway: Look for professionals with experience in your specific market for tailored advice.By implementing these strategies, you’ll not only reduce your tax burden but also set yourself up for long-term success as a real estate investor!