.: EM doesn’t seem extremely low, just kinda low.

The return on equity is probably very low considering they are paid off so maybe explore refinancing or selling the lowest performing one(s) or your biggest headaches to reinvest in more lucrative deals.I noticed you also used a metric of number of rentals to attain your goal rather than $$$/month.

@Gash Nookala,Renting can indeed be slower in winter, but here are some tips to boost interest:Enhance Listing: Ensure your listing has detailed descriptions and high-quality photos—consider professional photography if needed.Competitive Pricing: Double-check local comps; even a slight price adjustment or incentives (like a reduced deposit) could attract more interest.Broaden Marketing: Beyond Zillow, Hemlane, and MLS, use social media, community boards, and local business connections to reach a wider audience.Flexible Lease Terms: Offering shorter or month-to-month leases might appeal to tenants during this slower season.Local Property Manager: A local pro can tap into their network and help fill the vacancy faster.These steps should help you find a tenant despite the seasonal slowdown.

For example, I have two STR high-income earners (making 140k & 150k) in Joshua Tree for sale with low expenses, where the sellers will stay on to manage it.Making sure you are keeping as much as possible from the tax man is a huge component and to do so you usually have to invest it.

I can see if you're BRRRR'ing 3 times a year, and maybe I'll get to that eventually, but starting out I feel stupid asking an agent to help me find properties for $10-20k, like why would they want to do that if the commission is so low?

This list isn’t exhaustive but includes most of the best ways to find quality firms to partner with.Conferences.

@Aaron Zimmerman HubSpot is a great CRM to use at a low cost.

By repositioning the property (like improving tenant quality or adding amenities), you can boost the NOI over time.

I agree 15 years is not a long time but what is occurring is jurisdictions then pass laws to protect the low cost housing.  

Covering a significant portion of my mortgage has been a great reward.Solution: My four levels of vetting have helped me find quality room-renters over the last 18 months.I think you already have the answers to your situation.