Do you get an inspection and just let the potential seller say they need to wait for that to be done, or do you hire a GC to give you an estimate?

Demand for rentals in that area.

The house was built in 2022, and the seller had their job relocated from Florida to Texas and needed to sell ASAP.

So, if interest rates are a buyer’s primary roadblock, then I recommend negotiating a rate buydown at a seller’s expense or looking at new construction, where builders are offering rate reductions and other substantial incentives.What if I’m a seller?

In the worst case scenario that demand is low for a 2/2 we'll have to drop prices to attract people away from the 1BR places.

You can also look into seller financing.

My initial thought here was seller finance, as @Ryan Irwin mentioned!

This can lead to more opportunities and partnerships.Market Understanding: As a property manager, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the local market, which can be invaluable when you start acquiring your own properties.Steady Income Stream: Property management can provide a consistent income, which can be particularly beneficial in the early stages of your real estate venture.Skill Development: You'll develop a range of skills from customer service to maintenance oversight, which are crucial for successful property ownership.Brand Recognition: Establishing a presence as a reliable property management company can boost your reputation, making it easier to attract tenants and investors when you start acquiring properties.Cons:Time Commitment: Property management can be time-consuming, especially if you're dealing with multiple properties or demanding clients.Regulatory Compliance: Staying compliant with local laws and regulations requires diligence and can be complex.Conflict Resolution: Dealing with tenant issues and conflicts is an inevitable part of property management and can sometimes be challenging.Financial Risk: There are financial risks involved, including late payments or damage to properties.Market Fluctuations: The property market can be unpredictable, affecting both rental income and property values.Overall, starting with a property management company can be a smart way to enter the real estate space, especially in an area with a clear need for such services.

FSBO (for sale by owner) sellers get sued more than any other group in real estate.

My question is if I made the HELOC go away from my cash reserves, could we then agree to seller finance the remainder and then use the cashflow from the STR to pay her plus give her a percentage to manage the property?