There are a lot of interesting opportunities and you can invest without putting too much effort. 

That is where you need to spend the most effort.  

It will help us assess where the "bar" is in terms of competition and what consumers are looking for on the platform.I understood it from the meeting that it was assessed for area not globally but I may be wrong.

Not a great negotiating effort on my part..

You are spending time effort and money for ZERO benefit. 

I think they are making a risky bet w this property, buying at a 5 cap rate, loan is fixed at 5.7% and 2 new properties about to open very nearby and who knows how many in construction phaseVillas at Sundance | Investment Opportunity (vikingcapllc.com)You are very lucky to live in Austin, fastest growing big city in country, and a micro-cosm of the global economy, this too gives you an educational edge

We put a lot of effort into finishing the basement.

You can do this just know that the designer probably feels like his time and effort is worth that 40% now..

If you do it anyway, then you must accept that you will probably realize a loss because those people will not respect the time, money or effort you put into a rental property and will just think you're a greedy bastard. 

I am fully aware of the time and efforts to get the freedom I want but I need to start somewhere and soon.