How would you recommend, or what resources would you refer for us to properly figure out how we spend our time and appropriately get compensated for it?

I can accurately estimate utility costs as most util companies have estimated usages and amounts on their websites, but costs like maintenance, CapEx, make ready, etc., are much harder to estimate.

Which areas of NJ are you referring to? 

Quote from @Erick Pena: A "good" rental property is one that covers all expenses (mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance, property management fees, and any other costs) and still leave a surplus (commonly referred to as cash flow).Calculate cash flow as: Cash Flow = Rental Income − Operating Expenses − DebtThere's much more to it, but that's the basic idea.

A website like Pet Screening can help you verify and document pets to ensure they’re a good fit for your property.

Happy to help --What are you referring to when you say you specialize in this specific issue?  

Has anyone had any issues accessing Stessa website from Win 11? 

I also see your point about avoiding bargain basement properties, especially insofar as tax shielding is easier with an asset of a reasonable size.Your point about barriers to entry is also interesting, since I suppose those barriers can be geography (natural boundaries of mountains/water), but you're probably referring to that which impedes future construction?

Here's the City link for you to reference. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/doh/provdrs/homeowners...1) ADU regulations specifically exclude Short-Term Rentals so don't do it if the intention is to short-term rental. 2) The ceiling height oh 6'10" is almost guaranteed to trigger digging a basement if you want to formalize as an ADU unit, especially if that height is further reduced by pipes or HVAC. 3)Ingress/egress is an issue for renting, as is that any bedroom also will need two (ie operable window/doorway).

The state website can also be very informative.