Experienced managers can help evaluate potential investments by providing insights on rental demand, market rents, tenant preferences, and location-specific factors that affect leasing success.For example, rental properties need to be close to conveniences like major roads, shopping, and schools.

Does size of mortgage paydown become a factor here?

And just so you know, here are some of the factors an agent will look at to figure that out:Market Conditions: If the market is slower, going all in on staging can make your home look move-in ready and attractive to buyers who may otherwise be hesitant.

It's really hard to predict where regulation will go and it is indeed one of the risk factors for all investments.

It depends on a lot of factors; primarily the local jurisdiction rules that may limit lease changes (in Portland/Oregon rent, security deposit, screening fees, an no-cause evictions are heavily regulated).

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

Even comparing Provo to NC in terms of flight duration and cost even though both have direct flights would be a huge factor for me.

That will be a determining factor for where it makes sense for you to purchase.Regarding waiting - bear in mind a lot of people were predicting rates in 2024 would be in 5% range or low 6s, which didn't turn out to be the case.

All important factors to consider- population growth or decline, job growth or decline, inventory rate and movement- is is a seller's market getting stronger or softer or a buyer's market getting stronger or softer?

Factor in carrying costs (utilities, taxes, insurance).2.