I'm self-employed and did not know if my business was going to be shut down due to the virus.

Remember, the notion of amassing wealth without investing is a dangerous myth perpetuated by self-proclaimed experts.

Self managed HOAs are usually undercapitalized so you want to take a thorough review of the condition of the community to make sure there isn’t deferred maintenance because you might get hit with a special assessment if the board isn’t setting aside cash for those capital improvements.At face value, taking into consideration my typical financial objectives, I wouldn’t do this deal unless it was a much lower price.

Also, keeping an eye on zoning changes or upcoming developments can help you get ahead of the curve.Would love to hear more about your experiences too—what areas are you currently focusing on?

It’s been stressing me out as I self manage this and my other property where it’s affecting my moods and I don’t like it and something has to change.

We got out of condo conversions couldn't really sell any of them and transitioned to ground up development of single family homes and three story walkup triplexes on a build to rent model which is much easier for us to manage and our exit isn't a sale it's just a refinance. 

Here are some trends that could play out, or further develop in 2025.Leasing & Tenant Experience AI-Powered Leasing: Chatbots and AI tools will streamline leasing processes, from answering tenant inquiries to scheduling tours.Virtual Tours & Digital Leasing: These will become even more standard, making it easier for tenants to rent remotely.TechnologySmart Property Management: IoT devices (smart locks, thermostats, etc.) will become more common, improving efficiency and tenant satisfaction.Property Management Software: Platforms will integrate more AI for predictive maintenance, rent collection, and financial reporting.SustainabilityGreen building practices and energy-efficient upgrades will be a major focus, driven by tenant demand and potential incentives.AI & AutomationAI will play a bigger role in tenant screening, rent pricing optimization, and even predicting market trends.Automation will handle repetitive tasks like maintenance requests and lease renewals, freeing up PMs for higher-level activities.I'm sure there are plenty more shifting trends that I haven't mentioned and that are sure to evolve over the next year. 

I'm actively searching for my next investment and would appreciate any advice from seasoned investors and developers.

Instead of buying at today’s inflated prices, I develop from the ground up, creating built-in equity and higher cash flow from Day 1.If you’re open to new construction, Columbus has great zoning options and strong rental demand.

TurboTax has rental property features, and the IRS has a great guide on rental income, deductions, and recordkeeping - IRS Rental Property Tax Guide.https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/tips-on-rental-real-estate-income-deductions-and-recordkeeping2.