For example, any STR operators could choose a specific scent for their property, and then get the candle version of that scent for guests to purchase after they check out.  

The WLB lease (unless you use an ancient version) states that if nothing is done it defaults to a month to month.You can send them a Notice of rent increase (which you can get from WLB as well) sign an new lease, or do nothing and go mtm.I find that a 60 day notice from the tenant is not very helpful, most owners don't start showings until after the unit is vacant, so what's the point?

I've easily quadrupled the leads using Zillow Rental Manager (premium/upgraded $30.00 version).

Additionally, there are 16 different versions of a FICO score.

- Know the property numbers: I would recommend AirDNA (paid version) + enemy method to factor income then back out all expenses properly- Know yourself: Why do you want an STR? 

@Chris Mason Thank you for the facts about the VA loan and the insights my friend, I do plan on doing a version of your example, unfortunately I don't believe the spread will be as lucrative in small town WI lol.

I can lookup (I don't think I can calculate it anymore) and compare the section properties and tell you how the Al piece compares.We were also thinking of sistering two of these together: https://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/trusses-i-joists-engineered-lumber/laminated-veneer-lumber-lvl-strand-lumber/1-3-4-x-7-1-4-lvl-1-9e/1061006/building-materials/trusses-i-joists-engineered-lumber/laminated-veneer-lumber-lvl-strand-lumber/1-3-4-x-7-1-4-lvl-1-9e/1061161/p-1444438527854.htmWe'd have to get a treated version or wrap them to protect from the elements.

That is the real cliff notes version of the process. 

We would like to grow our portfolio as time, finance, and opportunity allow.Lastly, our oldest is headed to UConn for her PhD (6 years) and instead of paying to rent, our thoughts are to do a version of a house hack with buying a house/condo with her living there and then renting out one to two rooms to offset the costs of her rent.

If we assumed a modest 2% annual rent increase on the base $1,200/month rent it's at now, the 1BR version of this unit would bring in a total gross rent of $157,675 over the next 10 years.