I told the couple that I got an offer for $1,700 but wanted to ultimately rent to them but need the income.

Find out what they offer as far as education and support, what their fees/splits are and what their expectations might be.Remember, you will need a certain amount of continuing education hours, and you will want a Brokerage that has the support you need to help you through your contracts and answer questions.

This will help you close deals faster.Focus on marketing and lead generation to find motivated sellers—direct mail, driving for dollars, and online marketing all work well here.Know your numbers—being able to accurately assess the value of properties and make solid offers is key.Network with other investors and professionals—attend local REI meetups, connect with title companies, and build relationships with hard money lenders.Feel free to reach out if you ever want to chat more or exchange ideas!

I recommend having a contractor walk through the property before submitting your offer, or you could make your offer contingent on a contractor walkthrough.

That seems to have changed over Covid and not sure they ever got back on a regular schedule.Not sure what you have to offer other than the 4 bedrooms, but I would guess rent would be more around $2400/month vs $3000

Be sure to explore all around the forums as well as many of the FREE tools that Bigger Pockets provides.I am on the lending side of things and am always happy to hop on a call to discuss loan options that are out there, even if not offered by my resources. 

However, many sellers will not accept an offer subject to an appraisal. 

However, the tax treatment differs between short-term and long-term rentals:Short-Term Rentals (STRs): If you materially participate (work 100+ hours and more than anyone else on the property), you may be able to offset rental deductions against W-2 or other active income, offering greater tax benefits.Long-Term Rentals (LTRs): If your AGI exceeds $100K, your rental losses may be limited, unless you qualify as a Real Estate Professional (REPS).If you plan to expand your rental portfolio, consider an LLC later for liability protection and easier management.

Owner-Builder Construction Loan (Challenging but Possible)Some lenders offer owner-builder loans, but they usually require:✅ Strong financials (good credit, assets, low debt-to-income)✅ A solid construction plan, budget, and timeline✅ Proof of prior experience (renovations help, but formal experience is a plus)✅ A licensed contractor or project manager to sign off on the build2.

But to the point of this thread, no one can offer a "this is a good return" without knowing the structure and the potential risks involved.I think Jaycee hits on the general returns available in the market.