maybe some light repairs after the tenant moves in...so your first few years after a purchase are typically stabilization, and you investing your money into the property.

So, if the surface was high gloss it may need to be lightly sanded or to use a product to take the sheen off of it.

I guess it could be the same as someone paying any university 10s, if not 100s, of thousands of dollars to get a degree just to decide they like being a bartender more than some desk job that requires a degree.  

Start with something light-value add or turnkey so you don't take on too much risk and you can learn the whole process with a more friendly investment. 

And as these threads keep going and things keep coming to light it sure is looking that way.

**light goes off in head** - maybe that's why all these "guru's" are working hard trying to sell training rather than working on deals.

he brought the appraisal up by around 40,000 dollars but was still a bit light compared to equal comps. 

Save the money, clean it till it shines, maybe basic improvements like a few new light fixtures or at least matching/bright lightbulbs, maybe a few new faucets, some paint touch ups and sell.If you’re hiring a Realtor®, they can tell you pricing in current condition versus pricing with a few minor changes.

I will be managing all booking, renovation, and maintenance operations of the STR (besides mandatory front desk operations, and cleaning - required to be run by the Hotel).

Others may have had a good experience but we would have been better off lighting our money on fire to heat out our home.