Since STR “lives” on reviews, being “right” because of the contract the guests signed might be the most expensive “right” you’ve ever experienced.So what’s left for the “wanna be” STR investor in today’s market?  

Did you guys ever raise private money?

I currently work in the turnkey investment world helping investors create a real estate portfolio, if you are ever interested in trading different strategies and goals, I'd love to connect! 

My humble advice to anyone attempting to do creative finance is:Creative finance is for experienced investors who have access to capital if anything goes wrong.Learn the lawsDon't use a contract "off the internet", laws vary by state and are also regulated on a federal levelLearn the financing techniques correctlyDon’t skip parts of the processDon’t ever do a “kitchen table” closingUse the proper deedAn attorney can help you with the legal work, but the rest you are on your ownYour guru will not bail you out“Investing” in someone else’s deal by providing a small 2nd loan so the “investor” can pay for “cash to the seller” and for “closing costs” so he can do the deal is a very bad planKnow what problems can ariseLearn the responses and solutions to problems before they are neededKnow everything there is to know about Title and what that meansKnow who a "protected class" individual isLearn the "back doors"Learn human natureUnderstand timelinesUnderstand regulation enforcement (some of these "mistakes" have a 10 year statue of limitations ( they can charge you 10 years AFTER you do the transaction) and carry hefty fines and possible imprisonmentThe court doesn't accept "I didn't know" for an answer"Know that the source of the lead plays a serious role in some states and federallyKnow how much of a "profit" pushes the boundaries to invite an investigationYou can be sued by the seller if you don’t do things correctlyYou are automatically at fault if an investigator or attorney or regulator gets involved.

Population is growing, NFL Draft was the BEST EVER attended, prices are up over 20% last year, etc.

. - Who ever told you that only 30 days notice is required does not know CA law.  

I see a lot of awesome amenity packed outdoor hang out spaces with outdoor pools posted on the many STR related social media accounts that I follow, but I don't really ever see any pool fences or other safety features highlighted. 

What ever the Contractor proposes you should not take as the only option.

Take good notes, ask good questions and then, and only then, after you have completed a transaction and feel confident, should you ever try and venture off on your own.Think of it like this...... you can drive without car insurance. 

Have you ever heard of a Landlord being sued by a Tenant and losing property?