Short term rentals can be lucrative but come with higher variability and management needs.My Take:It might be beneficial to consider a mixed approach—drop the rent slightly under market value to secure a tenant and stabilize your cash flow, while simultaneously exploring the short term rental market.

I’ve started to explore the “creative deals” side of real estate & honestly it’s pretty amazing.

I'm in the early learning and exploration stage and definitely learning a lot just searching through the BP threads and reading.This gives me more to digest and continue learning.

I think you are on the right path with exploring the HELOC.  

CRE newbie interested in becoming an expert on the Central Coast of California. Willing to exchange my willingness to cold call and make sales calls for your advice and feedback on strategies and techniques.Best/Connie 

Welcome,In the real estate industry, there are countless opportunities to explore. 

Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

Ask about the maintenance history.Units: Visit as many individual units as possible to assess their condition and note any necessary repairs or updates.Structural Issues: Be vigilant about signs of water damage, mold, or pests, which could indicate larger problems.Safety Compliance: Verify that the property meets all local safety and building codes, including fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits.Financial and Operational AspectsRent Roll: Request a detailed rent roll to understand current rents, lease terms, and tenant occupancy.Expenses: Get a breakdown of all operating expenses, including utilities, maintenance, insurance, property management fees, and taxes.Income Verification: Ask for historical income statements (preferably 12 months or more) to verify the revenue.Vacancy Rates: Inquire about the historical and current vacancy rates and how they compare to the market average.Tenant Profile: Understand the tenant mix, including residential versus commercial tenants, lease lengths, and tenant turnover rates.Property Management: Find out if the property is currently managed by a professional management company and if you will retain or replace them.Legal and ComplianceZoning Laws: Ensure the property complies with current zoning laws and inquire about any zoning changes that may affect the property.Rent Control: Determine if the property is subject to rent control or other regulations that could impact income.Permits and Licenses: Check that all necessary permits and licenses are up to date.Value-Add PotentialRenovation Opportunities: Identify areas where you could add value through renovations or upgrades.Rent Increases: Assess the potential for increasing rents based on market rates and property improvements.Additional Income: Explore opportunities for additional income streams, such as laundry facilities, parking fees, or storage rentals.Environmental ConsiderationsEnvironmental Hazards: Check for any environmental issues like asbestos, lead paint, or underground storage tanks.Flood Zones: Verify if the property is in a flood zone and the implications for insurance and risk.Questions to Ask the SellerReason for Selling: Understand the seller’s motivation to gauge the urgency and possible negotiation points.Recent Repairs and Improvements: Ask about any recent capital expenditures and future planned repairs.Tenant Relations: Inquire about the relationship with tenants and any ongoing disputes or issues.Due DiligenceProfessional Inspection: Hire a professional inspector to conduct a thorough examination of the property.Appraisal: Obtain an independent appraisal to verify the property’s market value.Legal Review: Have a real estate attorney review all contracts, leases, and legal documents related to the property.By covering these aspects, you’ll be in a stronger position to make an informed decision about your potential investment.

Additionally, explore DSCR loans and other commercial lending options, as some might not require extensive experience, especially with a strong credit score like yours.With over 20 years of experience in the Tampa market, I've seen firsthand the benefits of strategic partnerships and informed lending choices.

He also said that he will move Space Exploration Technologies Corp. from Hawthorne to its Starbase in South Texas where it is developing plans to one day send humans to Mars.The move further cements Musk's influence on the Austin area and, more broadly, the state of Texas.