There are plenty of mood boards and renovation material ideas on there. 

Down the road, you can also use the 1031 exchange to defer taxes as you go from property to property, as long as they are like for like.I hope that helps get the ideas flowing....

I like the idea of virtual staging—it seems like not many of the similar properties I mentioned are staging at all, so I think that could be a definite way to separate my photos from the others.

The "offer something of value" idea seems silly to me.

I dont have any feedback for turn key REI but lots of experience with 1031X and my suggestion for you is to make sure you have a good idea of the exchange you're going into or at least the category of homes or type you're aiming for.

In your original post, you asked whether or not Section 8 was a good idea.

These are great questions and a great idea to do some due diligence before the purchase.

If they do a lot of these, maybe they can help you talk through some ideas. 

Some design and amenity ideas:+ Welcoming living space with plush seating for family hangouts+ Coffee bar or stocked tea station for early mornings before campus events+ Dining table or breakfast nook perfect for family meals+ Dedicated workspace for parents who need to check in on workFor sports fans, tap into their game-day energy and make your STR the go-to spot for a fun, convenient stay:+ Big, comfortable seating & a great TV setup (think oversized couch, streaming sports channels)+ Game-day essentials like a mini fridge stocked with game-day snacks/drinks+ Outdoor space with a grill & seating for pre- or post-game gatherings+ Good parking (sports fans hate scrambling)+ Team spirit decor touches (subtle, not tacky—think framed sports prints, not full-on mascot murals)Your design & reviews will do most of the marketing but to market directly to these guests:🎯 List your STR on sites where parents and alumni book (if allowed)🎯 Partner with local businesses—coffee shops, sports bars, or tailgate services—where your ideal guests hang out🎯 Optimize your listing title and description with phrases like “Perfect for Visiting Parents & College Game Days”🎯 Time any discounts/promotions around major campus events—homecoming, graduation, big rivalry gamesThink of it this way, you’re not just offering a place to stay—you’re creating an experience they’ll want to book again and again.

I am planning to build a portfolio dashboard for my properties in Excel, and I have a pretty good idea of what I want to see about them individually and combined.