I would look at other people's STR photos for ideas or consult a designer.We bought stuff from Lazyboy and they had a designer on staff to help us pick out stuff.

But the answer for everyone may differ.Here are the personal attributes I see in those able to achieve a higher than market ROI, enough higher to be able to “scale”.1- Knowledge of real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance2- Minimum 3 -5 years full time, or near full time experience directly related to real estate investing3- Ability to utilize technology for increased efficiency, capacity, and accuracy4- Excellent hired legal counsel and excellent hired marketing help5- Established method(s) of obtaining consistently high QUALITY deal flow6- Ability to manage and choose people who are NOT employees: Attorneys, Appraisers, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Brokers, Title Companies, Surveyors, Marketing Specialists, Accountants, Contractors, Consultants, Property Managers7- A VERIFIABLE track record of success8- Ability to identify, analyze, and negotiate a deal that can be “worked” for “enhanced” ROI9- Some type of competitive advantage; for example for me it’s my ability to analyze and identify mortgage loans that are actually less risky than all other lenders believe (on the investing in debt side), and on the real property side it’s my ability to analyze”pull the trigger” with LESS information than other investors need,  combined with the ability to pay cash, or raise significant capital almost instantly as well as being able to obtain loans at the lowest prime customer bank rate with no recourse or personal liability.  

Like you said, every time you visit family, you can check in on the properties and now the trip is a tax write off (consult your CPA). 

Prioritize properties with strong rental potential and set aside reserves to handle unexpected costs.Finally, familiarize yourself with tenant laws in your target market, especially in Portland, and consult a real estate-savvy CPA for tax efficiency and legal considerations.

For consulting with a CPA.As mentioned above you can simply take monthly distributions, but what is most important is how you are set up. 

Hi @Abel Curiel - can you share the consultant's name with me as well? 

They do consult with the "money person" but they don't technically have to.

Ultimately, consulting with a real estate focused accountant is the move here, but this should be a helpful primer.

After assessor comes out and consults with insurance company, they'll send demo guys out to come do demo work and remove wet drywall, insulation, etc. they'll usually put down dehumidifiers and let the place air out a bit to see what actually needs replacing and what was able to dry out.

Retain a cash reserve to cover vacancies or downturns, and align with your long-term goals by consulting a financial advisor.