I am driving over there twice a month to get each check. 25min each way plus 30min to help teach how to use the innago app and set up her online bank = almost 3 hours a month of my time plus gas money.

Subsequently, reducing the profit split (50/50) between developer and investor.For example, food bought for the crew, daily expenses such as gas & labor paid for with cash (no receipt).

If you want  a trailer park or a gas station, or an ALF, I can't help a whole lot! 

Is gas or electric better for STR purposes and why?

I also noticed you didn't factor in any utilities like water (normally owner paid), gas or electric.

At most of my dinner's I talk about real estate and this deal specifically, I buy contractors lunch, and fill up my tank with gas driving there.

I made some dumb mistakes when I first started (didn't go on BP and learn first), so based on what a friend was doing in CA (my property is in IN) I told tenants they pay for gas and electric but water and sewer was covered by me (water is separately metered for each unit).

Separating the utilites for electric, gas and water for each building to their own individual meters was quite the undertaking and more expense and time consuming than expected.

I know i need to start looking more into tax strategies.I understand that save/buy is a (relatively) slow  way to expand.. but i'm also not looking for a "Boom"I'd be hard-pressed to refi... i've decent  rates and for now i'm looking at cashflow until i'm not dependant on my W2 job ( i think  that at 7 units i could "get by"..barely) then i can  move towards being more concerned on long term wealth/retirement/equityThe rentals have their own business account that i do not dip into** I do not pay myself rent, BUT the business account does pay my personal gas/electric.from my W2 earnings i spend about $1300/mo on everything ( from car insurance to eating out), rest is savedany new downpayments are a mix of business account and savingsWith the 5 total units ( 4 rented; 1 personal use)  I "Cashflow" about  $1K/mobut that number does not account for any CapEx.What might you change/suggest about my strategy?

I also leave myself about $1000 per month to account for varying expenses such as groceries, gas, gym memberships, doctors appointments, and of course other varying costs that come along with being a single dad!