Aside from the increased rental value, properties that are on water, or have a view of the water, are going to appreciate in value at a higher rate than the others.

I am looking into my STR options but from what I have learned this is a overflowing market in the area and the vacancy's are increasing so I may look into mid term and long term only.

Rent rates have increased so quickly over the last few years.

By prioritizing five-star reviews, I built a strong reputation, which led to increased bookings and higher profitability.

That said, weigh the cost of renovations against the potential increase in appraisal.

(It could take 8 years to get to today’s market rent, if market rent didn’t increase $1 during those 8 years.  

My plan for this year is improve my credit, get my real estate license (to increase my income on top of my W-2), possibly career transition into the property management space (to learn more), and save as much as possible and learn as much as I can.I’d love to house hack close to home but my area is so expensive it seems like it’d be close to impossible. 

Here’s a streamlined perspective:Your current approach, putting more down upfront, minimizes risk, increases cash flow faster, and allows you to build equity while reducing overall interest.

There are some locations to stay away from but almost every single sub market of KC has value and increasing rents.

Remember, investing 200,000 into an ADU won't likely increase your properties value by 200,000, but the rent potential is a great bonus.