Let's assume from here on out legit operators in both spaces because while fraud certainly exists, even from the property owner side as well, it will be very hard to make good assumptions about it.The start up costs are very different for an MTR operator compared to an STR PM.

Could I fund the purchase using a bridge loan with the assumption to sell my existing home ($1.5M)? 

I've always had an assumption that OH is a Ca$h Flow market and not an Appreciation market.

@Scott ChampionRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a Class A property in Class D area, what quality of tenant will you get?

@Chris Seveney,Thank you for the quick response and the clarification on VA loan assumptions.

The two big risks I see in your assumptions is: lease up time (6 months, generally, sounds short).  

I'm originally from Western PA as well (Slippery Rock) and now reside in Atlanta.Here is how I am looking at it along with the assumptions I am making:1) I think the growth prospects are better in the Atlanta market than Pittsburgh from a pure demographics standpoint.2) I estimate your return on equity at 7.2% currently3) Over the long haul appreciation is going to take you further when it comes to net worth than cashflow will4) Doubling of the roofs is doubling the expensesThings to consider:1) What is the year built of your Atlanta property vs. what you could replace it with in PGH?

Seeing that amount in your bank account for the first time can be overwhelming and exciting, especially for a 20 year-old without much money (making an assumption here).  

I know I am going to make mistakes and wrong assumptions, but I hope to lean as much as I can so I don't make them anymore!  

How are they underwriting the deal and what assumptions are they using and are they conservative or aggressive?