.👀 Risk ManagementBoth investments require risk management:Stocks: Company performance, market conditions, economic factorsReal estate: Property maintenance, tenant quality, local market changesBut guess what?

Think about it, why do people do Airbnb........make more money, however they have higher vacancy rates, and more management required.  

Any advice or tools you’d recommend would be really helpful!

Don’t let these companies confuse you into thinking they are required.

Long story short, any owner-occupied property loan will require the borrower to show income that the lender can determine to be stable and predictable in their good-faith effort to confirm the ability to repay. 

Are you looking at properties that only need "cosmetic" rehab or are you open to deals that require more rehab?

To vet guests, you can use a pre-booking form, ask about their plans, and require an ID and signed agreement.

If you can find an investment that pays for itself, you won't be so nervous about investing.I also recommend you educate yourself on how to manage well.

Not much, but something to keep in mind.They are all good options, I would also recommend a place where you are physically the closest to or can get to easily.

I did not know of this time log requirement for STRs, so as a newbie I am going back through emails, texts, phone logs, invoices, etc. to determine how much time I spent on everything.