What folks should be doing is developing the understanding enabling them to build their own tools.

I have a GC friend in PA trying to request 196k, as a “gap” to supplement whatever the HML cannot cover. 20% ROI, 6 months. 

My husband and I are Teachers and Nurses but dream of supplementing our W2 jobs with passive/investment income. 

Get listed on all the OTA’s and a direct booking site, use good management software like HostAway, use dynamic pricing software like pricelabs, use WiFi enabled smart locks like Schlage encode, use an email capture system for guests to login to WiFi like stayfi, use those captured emails to do marketing for your direct booking site, and automate scheduling and payments for cleaners and maintenance.

Use a tiered approval process to give them control over larger expenditures while enabling quick resolution of smaller issues.2.Proactive Maintenance: Implement preventative maintenance programs to reduce costly emergency repairs and extend the lifespan of property systems.3.Monthly Reporting: Deliver detailed monthly financial statements that outline expenses, rental income, and ROI performance.By handling their funds with care and providing transparency,  trust is built with owners, ensuring they feel confident in the relationship.Making Tenants Feel HeardHappy tenants are the foundation of long-term occupancy and reduced turnover.

It would enable me to access the equity in my home whenever needed, allowing me to take out a smaller amount, such as enough for a down payment on another home. 

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!

To create rental income that enables financial freedom, you need a location that meets specific criteria.Rents increase faster than inflation: Prices and rents are driven by the imbalance between demand and supply.

These do require more time and organization though.Looking forward, after 5+ years of owning a property, assuming you bought in an appreciating area, you should have enough equity built up via tenants paying down your mortgage for you and appreciation to refinance out of the VA loan (if you haven't already) or even cashout to buy more or to supplement your earnings.Theoretically, if you have enough properties you could refinance at least one a year.

Low prices enable more people to buy, limiting demand for rental properties so rents decline (in inflation-adjusted dollars).Population Growth: In areas with growing populations, demand outpaces supply, driving up property prices.