I hope to network with you all as well as maybe even do some deals together in the future.

By using borrowed money first, you free future you to have the option to use the annuities for your next purchase.Lastly, if a bank is willing to consider loaning you money, with your age/job history, at even a slight reasonable rate, pounce on it.

But if the manager is at least good enough that they care about their long-term reputation (and also trying to get you to be an investor in future deals)...then this might help.If they are a bad one (or a good one and unable to change), then this is unlikely to make any difference.Remotely you can also do things like doing Google maps drive-bys, etc.

In the future, would I have them sign and pay at least the security deposit before I put my signature on the lease?

I don't see much appreciate coming in STR homes in the near future as they have had historic jumps from 2020-2023, now have leveled and in some areas are sliiiiiightly decreasing. 

So, for example Washington might survey a 1 million acre estate, offer to purchase 550 premium acres (or accept such as payment for his services) and “bank” those 550 acres for future development. 

What's your vision for your real estate future? 

Or if they want a high-interest rate, and your numbers will not work at that interest rate, or if they really want a crazy high price where it will be difficult to cash flow and refinance in the future.

Reach out to the local tax assessor to understand how a sale might impact your future property tax bills and reach out to an insurance broker to get an insurance indication. 

I think the combination of fed cuts, insurance carriers slowly coming back, population/job growth being steady, future new supply dropping off, and a few other things bode well for rental properties in the coming years.