I made a few deals in North Dallas.Special assessments and HOA fees are a risk and renting out a condo most likely won't generate much of a cash flow.At $300k with you credit and saving you can still qualified for a loan for sure we have to find the program that works for you.On that budget you could find a nice place no that far from work so you don't have to move far to the suburbs. 

Paul and I operate 10 doors in North Iowa.

You are like many others who are getting started and unfortunately your generation is screwed because of the amount of spending is older generations have done and put the debt on you which also has led to record inflation.All you can do now is plan for the future and don’t force things but invest wisely when the time is right.

I am bit surprised that anyone who operates a STR would consider not having the correct insurance.AirCover and VRBO's coverage is not insurance.

As a savings of a few thousand dollars on furniture, could determine if your occupancy rate is 65% versus 70%...If the revenue is $50,000/yr that's $2,500 in one year (which could be the breakeven for that specific line-item expense).To determine you total breakeven point occupancy rate, and not just related to the furniture, take your operating expenses plus your debt service and divide it by your effective gross income.

This is where if you're very advanced as it relates to social media trends and creating compelling videos you have an opportunity to generate some eyeballs. 

OKC and Tulsa are two of the best markets for real estate investors looking to maximize their buying power and generate strong returns.

Now you are saying you have no experience owning/operating an STR, that's another hit.  

I don't think it can be overstated that you need to speak with rental owners in the specific Housing Authority the properties are in to see how the housing authority operates. 

Some operators really need better training and education and drag down the great operators who are doing it right and offer a great service and product.