I would use cleaning services but it's my understanding I could use more than one company over the course of the year to limit how many hours one company spends on it.I'm looking into a utilitarian STR more for business travelers, so this won't be one where everything is perfect, it's bound to accumulate wear and tear I think.The STR would be out of state, but I plan to travel there for probably two weeks a year where I would perform many repairs myself.

At the time, I also had a job that kept me traveling, so I didn’t need much space and used the opportunity to rent out the nicer rooms in my homes.

This can become a risk for both you and your ability to sell.As for things to talk to HOA about, beyond the permanent exterior colors/finishes, I would also ask about things like dumpsters and potentially port-o-let's that may be needed during rehab.  

That knowledge gave me the confidence to take on short-term rentals as part of my investment strategy moving forward.The First DealIn May 2024, while my girlfriend and I were traveling, she found a multi-family property in a city near us.

We have traveled there many times and love the country.

Our realtor has informed us that they will address two lower cost items on the exterior of the home and want to provide us with a cashier's check at closing to address the other three. 

The also have a product called Solo, that is a semi-gloss exterior/ interior paint.

Are they picking window style and placement, exterior cladding, color, etc? 

I had gutted the inside of the house and painted the exterior but honestly was not going to scrape and repaint the peak of the house because no one can reach it and I figured I would get to it in a few years when had more money.

People are still traveling and spending $ like there’s no tomorrow.