Invested 3 years ago like others about $40,000 total which  included covering operational cost  for the first or so.  

You want an investment that pays for itself, including mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and even some money set aside for a reserve to cover vacancies and capital expenditures.

I own 32 properties myself and have bought and sold over 300, including a few apartment complexes.

But ABNB felt so 'authoritarian' (once again for lack of a better word)....including stuff like removing my SuperHost status for a mistake of their own and not reinstating it once I proved them wrong. 

For example we pay our own income taxes, broker splits and all of our other expenses directly out of what we make including required E&O insurance, MLS dues, licensing fees, Board of Realtor dues, continuing education costs, marketing, advertising, office fees/rent, transaction coordinator/ assistant fees, health insurance, car insurance and maintenance, gas, tires, software, retirement fund, etc.We are not W2 employees with payroll taxes already taken out of our paychecks, company-paid health insurance and matching retirement account plus a guarantee of at least 40 hours paid work per week, sick pay, paid vacation… none of that.So if you’re thinking you’ll be able to pay an hourly wage typical of a W2 hourly employee like $50-85/hr… that’s definitely not going to work.

@Kiryl Ulanovich,You're on the right track:Get Pre-Approval from Hard Money Lender – Know your terms and limits upfront.Find a Deal Through a Wholesaler – Verify numbers and ensure it meets your criteria.Review the Assignment of Contract – Confirm terms, earnest money, and contingencies.Conduct Due Diligence – This includes an inspection (if allowed), verifying ARV, and rehab estimates.Submit to Hard Money Lender for Final Approval – Lender will review title, contract, and property condition.Title Search & Clear Any Issues – Ensure a clean title before closing.Close Through Title Company – Finalize funding and take ownership.Consider also lining up contractors early for a smooth transition into renovations.

I had specifically asked for numbers including mortgage payments and they emailed to me.

Yup, JUST LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE INCLUDING RENTS. 

Your 'cost' should include everything, from land purchase, soft costs, holding costs, and hard costs.

Include a buyout clause allowing you to transition to sole ownership after two years, based on a pre-determined valuation formula or market value.Use an LLC to hold the property for liability protection and pass-through taxation, ensuring both partners benefit from depreciation to offset rental income.