Before I purchase a property, I ensure there is a $5,000 CAPEX hedge and that the property will produce the cash flow and ROI I laid out in my crystal clear criteria.

Hi Crystal, I moved here two years ago.

I would try to get in an email crystal clear instructions of what your owner is asking you to do. 

@Eric W.It kinda depends on what your "crystal ball" says...Do you think STR's will continue to perform for the life of your investing period/strategy? 

We have little control on what may happen and when and my crystal ball is not working too well today...... however as an investor I look at ways to mitigate riskManage debt, dont over commitBuy properties where cash flow will pretty much cover debtPay close attention to market conditions, and network with investors who are in the game

You may need to buy the rate down for a point but having it locked, and especially not having an interest rate crystal ball, hahaha, I would definitely go with the safer more cash flow scenario!  

I am just getting started investing in real estate and am looking for a meetup/group to network and learn with that is somewhat close to the Crystal Lake Illinois area (McHenry County).

Thank you @Crystal Smith.  

My crystal ball has not worked since 2008.

@Brie Schmidt and @Crystal Smith - thanks for the replies!