But wants to leave immediate family in the main home on the property.The other option is, after a few years then rent out the garage and room while still having the family live in the main home.

Here are a few options: max out 401k contributions for you and your spouse, max out HSA contributions, make charitable donations, harvest tax losses, etc.I recommend finding a tax strategist who specializes in real estate taxation, financial planning and tax planning.You may want to consider working with your accountant remotely to expand your options.I would also recommend looking for a accountant willing to work with you throughout the year.

But I genuinely believe that if you’re just getting started, house hacking is the better option.

Inspection reports are another good option if the seller allows it, but they might take more time.

Instead, there is an option period, with a (mostly) small option fee whereby the buyer can cancel the contract for ANY reason within the option period.  

Option Fee, Security Deposit, etc) can you do it with no money out of pocket?

This allows you to keep your Airbnb equity intact for future opportunities while managing your DTI limitations.If you need help navigating this further or finding the best financing options, feel free to reach out.

i am confident i can manage the relatively small amount of requests, and have heard some good things about apps and software that are a "one stop shop" for landlords that allow payment, leases, and repair requests. i have one out of state rental property with a plethora of options for handymen and contractors around. i have been paying a property management company 8% plus all of their inflated costs of repairs and fees and with insurance going up it has really opened my eyes to my margins not as healthy as i would like.do you have a certain product you have used or use or would recommend?

You’re right, though, that you’re unlikely to generate much cash flow, if at all, if you invest in your home state.One option would be to look out of state.

Vacant will be the best option unless you have a good high paying tenant on one side that you can show is adding value.