Here's a quick summary:Manchester: STR demand could come from business travelers, especially near Hartford.Canton: Lower demand unless near outdoor recreation areas.Southington: Strong option with year-round tourists (skiing, Lake Compounce).Bristol: Good potential with ESPN and tourist attractions.Berlin: May have less demand unless near major highways.Focus on properties near attractions or business centers to keep occupancy high.

We also replaced quite a few old ceiling lights with new ceiling fan/light combos and replaced any cracked or suspect outlets, etc.Kitchens got new stoves and microwaves and upgraded furniture in common areas.

However, there are some challenges to keep in mind:Regulatory Variations: Regulations can vary widely between locations and are constantly evolving.Active Management: STRs require more hands-on management for guest turnover and communication.Additional Costs: Don’t forget about expenses for furnishings, cleaning, and possibly hiring a property manager.If you’re looking for STR-friendly areas, consider these locations, as others can be too expensive to consider, such as Snowmass Village or Aspen:Breckenridge: The most visited ski resort in North America, attracting around 3 million tourists each year.Steamboat Springs: A popular year-round destination for winter sports and summer activities.Keystone: Great for those wanting a less crowded resort experience.Divide & Florissant: Charming mountain towns close to Colorado Springs.Fairplay: Just 30 minutes south of Breckenridge, with an impressive 82% Airbnb occupancy rate.Cripple Creek: A former mining town now known for casinos and outdoor activities.Park County: Very Airbnb-friendly, though regulations may change.Here are some strategies to help you succeed in the STR market:Hybrid Model: Consider using some units for STRs and others for long-term rentals to balance income.Research Local Regulations: Always check the current rules in your target areas before investing.Year-Round Appeal: Focus on locations that attract visitors in all seasons.Quality Furnishings: Invest in quality to justify higher nightly rates and attract better guests.Dynamic Pricing: Use pricing strategies to maximize revenue during peak seasons while maintaining occupancy in the off-season.Stay Flexible: Be ready to adapt your strategy as the market and regulations change.While Colorado’s STR market offers exciting opportunities, it’s essential to approach it strategically.

(I use "staging" to mean temporary furniture when selling a property.)

Down payment of $75k and improvements/furniture of around $40k.Would love to hear your guys thoughts on this!

Think about what you think is a reasonable number and get back to me.two days later she says 50K due to all of her furniture now having mold damage.

But, it is a bummer because I just spent $$$ on furniture, bedding, and all of the many incidentals.

Are there other factors you might need to consider such as major airports, weather, culture, outdoor recreation etc...

Since the light fixture is expensive and the tenants have clearly already done some damage to it (by leaving it outdoors), you can definitely bill them for it.

Your advice about using durable yet affordable furniture makes a lot of sense for mid-term rentals.