Hey y'all, I have taken quite a break from these forums but have decided to step back into these by reintroducing myself.

However, this is a totally new space to me- Any advice for how to go about looking for a lawyer who works with individual investors and won't break the bank?

@Jermaine Washington Jaycee did a great job breaking down cash-out refinances.

then manage them remotely.you also noted you want an STR, which is going to shrink the inventory that is viable for you and also increase the amount of competition you have.you may want to read these threads:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/1215726-break...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1159104-overl...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/963/topics/1195280-expe...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1160450-run-i...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1137397-balti...i invest in Pittsburgh, and I would tell you: DON'T invest in Pittsburgh unless you're willing to come here in person and build your network. 

That $98k you need just to break even.

I would probably structure it as debt like a loan and possibly break it up into quarterly payments or whatever you think will work best for you as far as repayment. you can get creative....

We have a lease break fee that they can execute at any time, so, we guide them towards that. 

@Cory M.I’d ask them for a break down.

On the day I moved in, I found out the property managers had other units in the apartment complex listed on Airbnb because an Airbnb guest tried breaking into the wrong unit (the police were called).

Its better to buy assets that will appreciate ( historic ) and be break even or a little negative.