We are in East Central Illinois. 

(Currently managing STRs and that’s taking up a lot of our time)* MFH vs SFH: We could consider a small apartment (20-30 units) but we are mindful of vacancy-risk of SFH and high-PM-cost of MFH.

Pittsburgh has to be one of the best markets for house hacking so we are definitely blessed.

When I started getting emails from other affiliates trying to get me to invest in additional resources, it sent up a red flag for me.

The 3 issues you described are all fairly large red flags, especially for someone's first property.

build to rent is great. they are an intermediary that help investors contract direct with turn key new build. they are pretty sophisticated we have sold a house so far and we are looking to sell other multifamily with them. there is a vetting process and as an intermediary they don't control construction they help vet builders and establish relationships. they have a big team. the other builder I've never heard of but unless you can see your house I wouldn't touch it. rent to retirement has a strict policy of 90 days until certificate of occupancy until they will send a deal out they are good at what they do and I'd recommend them. they have options all over the country and established relationships.

@Ryan Leake i like that idea as well, we do have some priorities we are working at before we start to see what a new app might look like but we once we get to that point we'll definitely keep the community up to date on announcements.Thanks for the feedback

After that, we are looking to buy maybe 1 or 2 more SFH this year. 

We are talking about foregoing the correct STR insurance for homeowners expecting it to payout for major guest damage.

We are still relatively small with only 5 properties, 7 doors.