Again, and I cannot stress this enough, I am NOT a tax expert on this so you need to talk to a professional.

Way too much stress to do it yourself and there are a lot of hidden costs.

Renting and eating the loss is a gamble on future rent increases, but the market and high costs might not make it worth the stress.

Until then, don't stress.

I recommend working with a professional to help alleviate that stress and get the grant pushed through.

Also, depending on your long term goals, transitioning part of your portfolio into more passive investments might help reduce operational stress while keeping your equity working for you.

My primary motivation is to ensure my dad doesn’t have to worry about financial stress after retirement.

You could make the same amount of money (or more) without the time, stress, or energy required as a DIY Landlord.If you do decide to manage yourself, you need a quick education.

Here’s what I recommend:Cash Investments:No Debt, No Stress: With cash, you avoid third-party control and loan vetting, giving you full control of returns.Equity Builders: Partnering with builders often reduces your property entry cost by up to 20% below market value.Consistent 10% Returns: With an all-cash approach, achieving 10% ROI is realistic and efficient.Financing Strategy:If cash isn’t feasible, consider a balanced financing model:40-50% Down Payment: Keep leverage manageable while maximizing returns.Lower Debt Exposure: A conservative loan-to-value ratio (LTV) reduces risks and keeps returns stable.Work with a Builder: Collaboration with builders can lower acquisition costs and increase your ROI.Key Takeaways:If possible, prioritize cash for simplicity, control, and consistent returns.Financing can work well with a disciplined approach to debt and a strong underwriting process.Partnering with builders offers opportunities to reduce costs and enhance your portfolio’s profitability. 

One mistake could extend the tenant's stay for months without any income, not to mention the stress it could cause.