Of course, all channels can work.. from seller financing to foreclosures.. but from my 30+ years in real estate, I’ve found focusing on cash flow analysis tends to pay off more reliably.So here’s the big question that might help steer your next steps.. what do you think would make landlording less stressful for you.. a property manager, or maybe a smaller property until you get more comfortable?

- This ties into the previous question a bit, but we have around $70k that we could be comfortable deploying into this if we find the right deal. 

Look into Baselane it’s designed specifically for real estate investors, You get automated rent collection, expense tracking, it makes it easier to manage properties, stay organized, and keep up with your finances. 

Stainless steel appliances, cleaning service every other week and I am johnny on the spot with repairs.As a result my vacancies are not that bad even with a model designed to be somewhat transitory. 

It will include a compact bathroom, a tiny kitchen area, and a heater—just the essentials to make it comfortable for someone to stay in.

However, consider STR seasonality, local regulations, and management demands, and ensure your equity loan and new primary residence costs fit comfortably within your budget.

@Grant Shipman, I will say, I have not explicitly seen anyone violate these rules (that I know of), but more commonly there are a lot of people who have comfort operating at the margins.I.e. compliance officers/attorneys that stop at the letter of the law may say: "investment manager X, you can advertise your company all you want.  

Had an issue with trying to self-permit a build a few years back that was an HPR but had an "A" and "B" designation.

Depending on comfort and cash, it might be a viable option as you can build equity and then sell without having capital gains, assuming it's your primary residence and you've lived there for 2 years.

@Desiree BoardWhen deciding between investing locally or out of state, and whether to self-manage or hire a property manager, consider your goals, comfort level, and resources.