Quote from @Keegan Darby: Hi BP - I’m seeking advice on a property I own. 

I've been active in the community for many many years.

.: During our pre-scheduled quarterly inspections, most of our tenants just go about their usual activities—cooking, watching TV, working, etc.

I generally work with home owners looking for long term management, but I do work with a local broker with access to off-market deals, and he sees a lot of activity in the area.

Readers should seek professional advice.

Active operators are far more likely to succeed in the entry level SFH space and that's not who buys entry level homes from turn key operators. 

Readers should seek professional advice.

Readers should seek professional advice.

@Aaron B.So cool that you're actively responding to constructive feedback here!

Hi Jon from Boyertown, PA-You and your fiancé are interested in buying your first short-term rental and wonder profitable areas to purchase with a budget up to $500,000.I would look at places along the west coast of Michigan, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and near Ann Arbor, MI.It is important to understand the local STR regulations in each community and partner with a property management company that can help your navigate that and manage it well for an excellent guest experience.Don't forget to look into bonus depreciation and doing a cost segregation study to increase the tax benefits of ownership and if you "materially participate" in the management of the property per IRS guidelines it can offset active W-2 income which most real estate cannot.To Your Success!