Avoid PMI and then go to a local credit union and get a heloc after closing to gift the money back.Have this as a tool in your tool belt but pursue use of the 3.5% FHA, knowing that you will be at a competitive disadvantage if you are competing with non FHA buyers, then you can call in the favor from your gift person.Just know that if someone gifts you down payment money, your bank will require them to sign a letter stating that it is in fact a gift that doesn’t need to be paid back.

They can also be more forgiving on condos (warrantable versus non) at times.

For the HVAC, I'd just question if that's the correct and best way to go about it, but I'm not an expert, but certianly you won't get interest listing a unit for rent or sale without HVAC.

The most common is leaning on your agent for their expert advice.

The wrong tenant can lead to non-payment, evictions, and property damage.

Educate yourself, become expert, then make decisions from a place of expertise.  

Now it appears your cleaners might be cleaning non-STR properties also (home owners).

Quote from @Andrea Wellman: Would like to invest in short term rentals to start and learn from this forum and experts.  

I’ve got a question that’s been on my mind recently. I help business owners and investors raise capital usually connecting them with partners who can secure $75k-$100k at 0% interest for 12 months. But I’ve never pe...

Mine was also out of state, in a town I’d never visited, and I relied heavily on videos from my agent.This sounds like a tough first deal, but it seems like you have some capital on the side, which will be useful as you face the upcoming challenges and learn from those expensive early mistakes.Regarding the subject of this post, “help me adjust my expectations,” I’d recommend assuming that; repairs will cost twice as much as you estimate, maintenance and vacancy rates will likely double from your initial projections, there’s a very real chance you may lose money on this deal.That said, there are ways to mitigate these risks by:- Keep asking questions here on BP and connecting with local experts- Stay proactive and communicative with your agent and property manager.And remember “Inspect what you expect.”Im not trying to discourage you but to help reset your expectations.