I'd much prefer to put $60K on a down payment and closing costs so I have $50K to fix it up.So a couple of questions: 1) Am I mistaken in thinking those kind of lower down payment products are out there for regular folks like us? 

query=garage#sear...If you can rent a 2 garage at $450 without spending ~$150k for a garage ADU conversion, no work/risk of the ADU conversion, the lower maintenance/capex, easier eviction, no rent control, less tenant interaction, it will not convert your SFR to rent control, etc, it seems superior to the garage ADU conversion.  

As best as I can tell on both sites, the algorithm looks something like this:Cheapest price>least restrictions (cancellation, # of days minimum, etc)>Premier/Super host>Review Scores>Most discounts (weekly, last minute, etc)>Regular revisions

Just FYI :-)Yeah I know Simpson makes a structural screw for hangers now, with a hex head, but I’ve been seeing a lot of regular deck screws used lately and obviously if they’re not structural they don’t have the shear strength needed to support a deck.

If you have a lender you trust and work with regularly, it wouldnt hurt to have a conversation about it with them.

I train my team to not waste their time snaking if they can’t fix it in 10 minutes and just replace it since toilet is under $300 (I use $120 Costco ones) but yeah these things are difficult to know for regular hosts.Besides that, it is unfortunate but I kinda see why Airbnb made that decision.

If we have our own assignable contract, how does that interact with an agent using their standard contract?

Flying in monthly helps, but having a local contact (realtor, manager, or trusted partner) is key for regular updates.Use tools like progress photos, video calls, or project management apps to stay connected, and schedule visits at critical stages of the project.

Regularly communicate with them to stay updated on progress and address any issues promptly.

I have been pleased with it and not just tons of excellent info and resources, but great interaction along with accountability with the focus on taking action.