There seems to be a glut of STRs in every major market, yet there are RE agents out there telling people that there is demand.There may be demand, but if the owner cannot book their place to cover the costs, how can RE agents be out there telling people that it's a good investment? 

Since you will have what I assume is an atypical unit mix, you will likely need to look at what different unit size buildings are selling for.I.e. 5x 1/1s are $250k/door.  4x 1/1s are $265k/door and 4x 2/2s are $325k/door, you could assume covering to a 4 unit will value the property at around 1.12mm (3x265 + 1x325)vs 5 one beds being worth 1.25mm.  

Our insurance did not cover moving the tenants out along with their temporary housing.

Roof: 7-8kHVAC: 4-5kWell Filters: $0 -3kStain: 4-5kFurniture (Entire house): 8-10kAppliances (stove/fridge/dishwasher): 3KI think I've covered all the big ones. 

So I am familiar with soflo.One strategy I am trying to implement is The 4-3-2-1 Strategy:Start with a 4-unit property: Live in one unit, rent out the others to cover your mortgage and expenses.Repeat with 3-unit, 2-unit, and attain your dream home last (1 unit property)After 12 months of living in each property, consider a cash out refinance to use equity for improvements or further investments, if beneficial for you.Build a real estate portfolio of 10 rental units in a 3 year span while generating rental income.

I actually have a creative financing course that covers all the options from seller finance to sub2 to DSCR to rentals so if you have any further questions let me know as I have a student that bought rentals in your area due to student demand from the college. 

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620 (approaching 22% probability of default), many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

The loan approval is based on the property’s rental income covering the mortgage—making it easier for investors without traditional income streams to qualify.LLC Protection: Many DSCR lenders allow you to hold the property in an LLC.

Hired contractors for the heavy stuff. 

Rents tend to rise over time, amortization steadily increases equity, incomes rise, so the investor has a lot of “cover” for unfortunate timing or operating “mistakes”.Number 2 - periods like 1932 - 1941 and 2008 - 2013 are much harder on this strategy.