I like the idea of STR as it seems like it can generate significantly more income than LTR and would allow me to block out dates if I have friends or family come visit.

If you get a proven operator that offers sightly less, it may still be a good idea to stick with someone who's been around the block for a while. 

The person I want to invest with is able to accumulate cash, in their personal life, on a regular basis, and is not, over the course of many years, blocked by one barrier or another from this accumulation.

Lilia’s breakdown of what to consider before investing is something I wish I’d read when I started.To add some color, I had a client a few years ago who purchased a duplex in Austin with a plan to hold for 12+ years.

(all the colored dots are clicks from my traffic.

Go to the food pantry and pick up blocks of cheese.  

I unfortunately blocked two plots and paid 20% for both and now it is almost 2 years and there is no response at all from Wagner or the builders :(-------The house will come with stainless steel appliances including a dishwasher, hood, refrigerator, and range.3 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms2 Car garage 1323Sq/ftThe price of this property is $198,000.00 with a 20% due at contract and the remaining 80% could be paid via conventional financing or cash.

Not sure how they could block a sale but I imagine they told him the central heating unit for the whole complex would soon need replacement so a special assessment would be upcoming.  

I removed the chimney and added modern HVAC, making it the only house on the block with it, significantly enhancing its value.

I removed the chimney and added modern HVAC, making it the only house on the block with it, significantly enhancing its value.