Those that use PM's have pointed out that there is a cost factor of also having to manage your PM as well - following up behind them, making sure they are doing what they are supposed to be doing, etc.Hope it helps!

It's crucial to keep investors informed about these factors and help them understand the rationale behind our long-term strategies.

I would factor in 6-10% for property management.i have worked in property management for 3 years before and through the pandemic, and I have been seriously searching for property to invest in for about two years.

All of these factors/considerations impact each other to some extent and its impossible to know whats possible until everyone in the group is clear on what they need/want this to look like.Either it sounds like you're on the right path with the line of questioning. 

The limiting factor right now is not speculation or a lack of euphoria--it's simply affordability. 

See the chart from Fair Isaac Company (FICO) below: FICO Score Pct of Population Default Probability 800 or more 13.00% 1.00% 750-799 27.00% 1.00% 700-749 18.00% 4.40% 650-699 15.00% 8.90% 600-649 12.00% 15.80% 550-599 8.00% 22.50% 500-549 5.00% 28.40% Less than 499 2.00% 41.00% Source: Fair Isaac CompanyAccording to this chart, investors should use corresponding vacancy+tenant-nonperformance factors of approximately 5% for Class A rentals, 10% for Class B and 20% for Class C.To address Class C payment challenges, many industry "experts" are now selling programs to newbie investors about how Section 8 tenants are the cure.

This focus gives you a national reach, and that oh-so-important factor; scalability. 

If you can do short term, mid term, or rent by the room, your hassle factor is going to increase, but you may be able have it both ways - more property and still cash flow.There is no wrong answer.

Investing in the market that you have knowledge of and the economic factors that support it is necessary. 

@Tom HallAt 7% if you can I would pay it down as investing it net after tax gains may not get you the 7% you are paying - so it’s less riskDownside is you lose liquidity of that money as it’s tied in your propertyIf rates come down in future you can refinance and even take some of the cash out.Regarding your question are rates coming down, a lot of factors come into play but right now it does not appear there will be significant changes to rates over next 3-6 months.