Here’s how I built my network, the challenges I faced, and why I believe relationships are a cornerstone of real estate success.Finding My Support SystemWhen I first started in real estate, I was young, fresh out of college, and had just become a mom.

For 10 years, every arriving party in my STR finds 1) a fresh bowl of fruit, 2) a local city magazine and a weekly periodical and 3) 2 bottles of wine (1 white, 1 red, 1st bottle is complimentary, envelope to pay for 2nd bottle).No great expense, but "wows" the guests every time. 

You need to start fresh with your thinking.

Some folks want a seat at the table and real control, while others prefer to be passive.. letting the sponsor do the heavy lifting.From what I read in The Economist, some markets (like Phoenix) are experiencing fresh pockets of growth in multifamily, so it’s definitely worth exploring if you’re eyeing future expansion.

That hard work includes making the investments that the current owner hasn't made (nicer kitchens, new flooring, fresh coat of paint, etc.), removing tenants and marketing to new tenants.

I’ve even seen a friend in Austin organize a simple field trip to another city..from what I’ve heard that kind of trip can spark interest in fresh markets.

Even in the off-season - you can optimize visibility by setting competitive pricing, using high-quality photos, and enabling Instant Book with flexible policies.For older listings, try adjusting prices with dynamic tools, highlighting upgrades, and regularly updating your title, photos, or descriptions to stay fresh in search results.These tweaks can make a big difference!

It’s like giving the home a sense of place..a nod to local design traditions while still making it feel fresh.

What I've seen before is the only time rules are enforced are when neighbors get pissed (ie STR neighbors).I would side with caution on this, especially if it is a newer built community where the rules are fresh with people. 

I'm at the beginning of my investment career, fresh out of college and pretty heavy in debt at 7% interest.