The city of Austin is trying to cut back on the supply of STR's. https://www.kvue.com/article/n... 1 out of every 4 is registered as a STR.

You’re on-site for maintenance issues or tenant concerns, which cuts down on the hassle of traveling to a separate location.Loan Accessibility: Getting a mortgage for a duplex can be easier than financing other types of investment properties because you can use the potential rental income from the second unit to help qualify for the loan.Tax Benefits: Owning a rental property can open up opportunities for various deductions like mortgage interest, property taxes, operating expenses, and depreciation.Disadvantages of Investing in DuplexesPrivacy Issues: Living so close to your tenants means less privacy.

Good point on the importance of getting laser focused on the right market.There is a lot of incorrect information out there when it comes to price declines. 

Many lenders are requiring longer seasoning requirements, will ask for a second appraisal, and will cut value if the comps on the appraisal do not support the value of the property.

What investors don't understand is that their ignorant focus on the cheapest price, attracts either bozos or cut-rate companies to cater to them.

Add into the equation the cost of materials and it makes sense that builders are finding ways to cut overall build costs and one of those ways is to buy land cheaper. 

Time and time again when I tried to cut costs by having a 'handy man' do a contractors job to save an owner money it bites me!

House hacking helps with costs and uses current savings while waiting to save more cuts debt.

In this way I believe I cut the economic interest of the PM to continue create/find creative problems in order to rise their repair %. 

There's not enough spread between your mortgage and the LTR rates to leave much of anything after they take their cut.