Last year, which was not a good year, I grossed just under $20k and I used the property about 3 months total doing some rehab and improvements; if I had rented out during that time I would have made another maybe 7-9 grand so let's call it 30 grand gross.

If you are comfortable with those numbers and you can wait it out until interest rates improve then go for it.You could also consider putting down a larger downpayment.

STR that do the best have a target audience based on the the surrounding options that improve the vacation experience.

➡️ In your opinion, what cosmetic improvements, deferred maintenance, or added amenities does the property need?

This generally includes anything with a useful life of 20 years or less such as software and computers, equipment, specific building improvements and office furniture.When to consider bonus depreciation?

Park improvements require a very keen understanding of 'will this expense drive my NOI? 

I didn't know my financials, so when the real estate market turned ugly I only then discovered that I had been negatively cash-flowing for years without knowing it.Had I known better, I would have improved the cash flow for those properties I could, and dumped the losers I couldn't fix. 

I've begun volunteering with Habitat for Humanity to gain more confidence in DIY improvements. 

Real estate you can improve, you can find before anyone else knows about, you can track the path of development to hedge your bets.

Lower monthly payments and improved cash flow might be the outcome of a bigger down payment (20–25%).