I like using QB for tracking expenses and was thinking of rent redi for rent payments, maintenance requests, and screening.

For the son to qualify for the $250k exclusion, I believe he would most likely need to meet the ownership and use test, meaning he needs to own and live in the home as his primary residence for at least two of the last five years before the sale.

When analyzing properties, it's helpful to run a rental stress test to see if the deal can withstand unexpected challenges.

I mean we tracked a 2 mil population metro and were able to buy 1 to 3 a month with 6 full time folks doing nothing but the tracking and door knocking. do it yourself going to be a challenge but hey give it a try see how it works.

@Jay Fayz for SFR (1-4 family) Classifications are mostly opinion-based.Not aware of anyone tracking eviction rates, except Evictions Lab nonprofit that doesn't like landlords.Here's some info that might helpt:---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 agree that you can use a Realtor with a proven track record. 

Seems interesting run a split test see if it works out for you.

While you work on that, you could also explore creative financing options like DSCR loans or partnerships to fast-track your first STR.

Again, others might disagree.a) Track Record: Get the entire track record for the strategy.

Testing the market may get you an offer you're looking for!