Appreciation: Are you primarily looking for immediate cash flow (rental income exceeding expenses) or are you betting on long-term appreciation?

As for the investing, I’ll probably be looking for a 3-4 family rental property to generate a little bit of passive income.   

In 2019, I launched my own revenue management agency to help Airbnb owners boost their income and achieve greater returns on their short-term rental properties.

My plan is to put 5% down on a 30-year conventional loan and have the rental income help cover part of the mortgage.

When I'm figuring out how to price an Airbnb I always cross-reference AirDNA or PriceLabs to get an estimate on what the income would be.

All this just to hopefully cashflow a few hundred $$ a month, doesn't seem worth it.Lately, I am really leaning on just investing in REIT's like Realty Income (o). as I write this Realty Income is at $57.75 paying $0.264 monthly dividend.  

I think if you have a little extra time, operating a smaller STR business can pick up some good income.

I am starting to get involved with real estate investing, but I am only a college student, so I do not have the income to place a 20% down payment for most properties.

Confirm with the solar company if the loan is transferable and review terms carefully—it’s a potential hurdle with lenders or resale.A DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan might be an option since you’re focused on rental income.

They tend to cost more to construct then they add in value, they are generally more valuable for a property you are holding as a way to generate more income.