Zoning and Permits: Make sure to check the zoning laws and permit requirements for building an ADU in the area. 4.

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.

My agent was a very nice older lady, but no idea about investing, it all worked out and once the first rent checks started coming in started gaining some confidence.

Full credit/background check:  Look for missed payments, and any theft is always a no go.2.)

You can also check their reviews online at Google, Facebook, or Yelp.

Seeking advice here on the best approach, any gotcha's that I'm missing, and overall sanity check... 

If you're considering mobile homes, the first step is checking zoning laws and utility access since some areas have restrictions.For resources, Mobile Home University is a well-known starting point, and local mobile home dealers can offer insights on placement and financing.If mobile homes are allowed, you could either rent them yourself for higher returns but more management or rent out the lots for steady cash flow with less work.

Definitely recommend checking out local REI meetups in Boston now and Chicago later—tons of value in connecting with local investors.

If there is a mortgage on your primary residence and you are trying to deed your primary residence property to an LLC, you will need to check with your mortgage company if they allow it.

In the meantime feel free to check out a post I did a while back about Cost Segregation - The Basics (biggerpockets.com)