However, if you can enhance privacy and add standout features—like a hot tub or a sauna barrel—it could justify higher rates and improve guest experience.

I was a SWO for 8 years, and the best thing I did to improve my financial life was real estate investing. 

The profile of the typical Houston traveler is someone coming in for work.

Look at their finishes and what they offer guests, use that as your baseline, then improve upon it.

Are you a hands-on type that can make improvements to a home or prefer to contract out work?

I have heard vented units don't dry as effectively but haven't heard any complaints from my tenants and believe the technology continues to improve.

I do have a very specific and curated buy box, so I know what i'm looking for in terms of zoning, lot size, buildable/improvable sqft, location, etc.With that being said, do you still not recommend going through sheriff sales?

Maybe an outside the box idea would be to try to force some equity by making some improvements in the house you live in.

Install low profile LED lights or wall sconces.If this is an investment property you need to be thinking about returns.

It's always up to investors/etc to decide their risk profile, but those who haven't been exposed to this stuff can't even know this is an exposure.