With minimal improvements, we successfully sold the home the same day for $45,000, demonstrating our ability to capitalize on fast transactions and strong market demand.

It requires a higher down payment and remote management, which can be harder without a strong team.House hacking with a VA loan is better for hands-on management; DSCR is great if you're ready to start from a distance.From a tax perspective, if you intend to qualify as REPS or have material participation in STR, being overseas will prevent that.

I'm a local Realtor in the Fort Worth area with a strong team behind me. 

A pre-qualification letter is not strong enough to get a deal these days. 

@Adam ZbiciakI've been pricing these in the high 8's and low to mid 9's for most scenarios, similar to as you've described here.If you have a larger loan, stabilized with good cash flows, strong experience with 9+ properties, and strong liquidity, I've quoted these in the 5's (at par) at 55-60LTV with a Family Office I work with. 

You'll need a reliable network of local professionals (plumbers, electricians, handymen) you can trust.Hiring a Property Manager:Peace of Mind: They handle day-to-day operations, tenant communications, and legal compliance.Local Expertise: They understand the local market trends and rental laws in Colorado Springs.Cost: While there’s a fee, many find it worth the reduction in stress and time commitment.Lessons Learned from ExperienceBuild a Strong Local Team: Even if you manage the property yourself, having a dependable local handyman and a real estate attorney can save you headaches.Leverage Technology: Utilize property management software for rent collection, maintenance requests, and tenant screening.

I would strongly encourage getting one with good internet, as a bunch of the tech crowd from Atlanta will rent it out in order to work remote.

But as I think about my long term plans, between the higher vacancy rate, the added monthly expenses, and all of the correspondence with potential renters, I'm strongly considering UN-furnishing it and going back to a long term rental.

I recently had a strong applicant have court "unlawful detainer" records show up in their Zillow Background. 

Great design, killer amenities, strong communication and professional photos.