@Tayvion Payton to get a better understanding of the loan products, it's best to have a conversation with a commercial loan officer at a local community bank or credit union.On commercial, the number one rule is a deal meeting their DSCR loan covenant, which is typically 1.2 to 1.25. 

PM here - happy to help the BP community with rental analysis, leasing trends etc should you need anything from me - Northern VA and DC.

While the taxes on the listing may seem reasonable if it turns out they’re 300% more than they were two years ago just because the community has increased its spending this is a trend that will quickly make your cash flow evaporate.

Anything I need to be aware of or make sure they do for my protection?

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!

@Jacob CampbellHi Jacob, and welcome to the community. 

Some of the discounts are good, but just be aware that you will be paying a payment processing fee on top of the discounts. 

Any other stuff that I should be aware of when trying to self-manage a property?

Is anyone else aware of reasonable alternatives?

Hi BP Community!