If you're a single mom with student loans, a car payment, and living paycheck-to-paycheck, then $20,000 would be devastating and a reserve is critical.

If it pays for itself, it provides you with a "free" place to live during the off-season.

I lived in Houston for a dozen years (moved last summer) and really wanted to make an STR work, but I just couldn't get there.

This year I received a bill from the PM with the following line items and costs: - Bathroom 1 : Shower/Tub Caulking | Re-caulk tub- Bathroom 1 : Toilet bolt caps | Missing bolt cap- Bathroom 1 : Window Covering | Missing miniblinds- Bedroom 1: closest to the front door : Door/Knob/Lock | Door know needs tightenedNeeds deadbolt installed- Bedroom 1: closest to the front door : Window Covering | Broken miniblinds needs repaced- Kitchen 1 : Wall/Ceiling | Pull nails and spackle- Living Room 1 : Wall/Ceiling | Nail and holes in paneling- Living Room 1 : Window Covering | Miniblinds need repairedLine ItemsDescription AmountMacomb Glass Invoice $40.99Sherwin Williams Invoice $40.60Walmart Invoice $62.37Total $2,271.271 of 2Ace Hardware Invoice $82.93Ace Hardware Invoice $28.33Ace Hardware Invoice $42.50Macomb Glass Invoice $188.58Walmart Invoice $135.30Ace Hardware Invoice $65.19Ace Hardware Invoice $9.78Shop Supplies $3.00Labour hours 24.18 @$65 rate $1,571.70Total $2,271.27This is a very small, one bedroom apartment in a fourplex. 

Super cool apartment style living, but all one story. 

My suggestions:* Requiring code compliance and safety equipment is absolutely valid and should be part of the regulations* Requiring owners live within 15 miles is not necessary since poor hosts whether they're local or distant will violate the 3-5 warning system and earn a suspension.

Where do you live, and where are your units? 

Quote from @Christina Weaver: Hi, @Steven Hamilton II  my husband and I live in California, a community property state.

He lives locally, is very responsive.

Screening everyone over 18 helps reduce the risk of costly evictions and ensures you’re fully informed about who will be living in your property.Additionally, be mindful of the number of occupants and how it might impact your property.