I don't think if rates dip we see take off, I think we see a furious initial uptick but it'll actually be flat to a net asset value decrease over a prolonged period such as 12-18 months.

However, there are pros and cons to this approach:Pros:Streamlined Operations: Property managers can integrate their systems more efficiently, leading to potentially better management and guest experiences.Experience and Optimization: They might have established profiles with good ratings and reviews, which can help attract more bookings.Cons:Loss of Control: If you stop working with the property manager, you could lose access to the listing and the reviews associated with it.Dependency: Your business becomes more reliant on the property manager, which could be problematic if the relationship sours or if their service quality declines.As an experienced STR manager, you're already familiar with many aspects of managing rentals.

Ask yourself, do you want a $100k house that is worth $150k in some future time, or would you rather have a $250k house worth $375k in the same time period.

If I make it a rental will the seasoning period be the same?

If the intent is to self manage and believe partnering where resources can be shared, that's a different story and have seen it done in ways that added efficiencies that wouldn't exist without pooling portfolios.

They probably have some sort of waiting period, but it's worth checking into if you think you have another year or so in that system....?

This approach allowed us to move quickly and efficiently, ensuring the project stayed on track.

Since your in the military, that look back period of 5 years is increased to 10. 

This is a good idea and should be done during due diligence after you have the property under contract.There are some contractors that just work with investors and efficiently get the work done on fixer-uppers or flips in a timely and cost effective way.They may charge you for the estimate which is credited to any work you have done.A general contractor is not a replacement for a quality home inspector and the home inspector may find additional work that needs to be done so good to have them there on the same day if possible.Both results and estimates are useful in retrading or renegotiating after the due diligence.To your success!

However, there is a tax deferral strategy that could accelerate your depreciation, keeping more money in your pocket today, known as cost segregation.A Cost Segregation study is an IRS approved federal income tax tool that increases near term cash flow by utilizing shorter recovery periods for depreciation to accelerate return on investment.