If the market is strong, holding could lead to future gains, especially with depreciation deductions offsetting rental income.

I believe in putting in the work—1,000 hours of research, testing, and learning—before offering advice, and I’m excited to tap into the collective wisdom of this community to refine my approach.Here’s where my head is at: I’m considering strategies like short-term rentals (Airbnb) for higher cash flow, long-term rentals for steady income, or even creative options like house hacking or partnerships to stretch the funds further.

The liability coverage is way better, the building coverage is often better, and commercial policies typically cover loss of business income as well, which a homeowners policy isn't going to help you with.California + wildfire area + STR is super tough. 

No guaranteed way to stop a determined, experienced thief:(Only deterrents that push them to easier jobs.The roof may be a good idea - until they figure out the just need a ladder to get up there and a rope to lower it down. 

This can be a very long and annoying process and you're not guaranteed to get approved.

Each property qualifies on its own economic merits (i.e. rental income covering PITI payments)This is one of the main advantages for DSCR financing, i.e. the ability to scale without any kind of DTI limit imposed by conventional financing.

Lender does not look at your income, just your FICO and they want to see rental income.

Both higher income yields and appreciation in value. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

I would prefer to sell the property vacant or the easiest less stressful way as possible, however I was advised that could deter investors buyers interest as the rental income is a one of my strong selling points.I am open and would appreciate any thoughts and/or suggestions from fellow agents or investors alike.Thanks in advance;)