Self-managing either an Airbnb or long-term rental from out-of-state would be tough, as you never know when an emergency will come up. 

Under $150, easy to install and use, tenant can set their own code but landlord can retain the master and always have access, tenant can't lock themselves out, standard key for emergency backup, batteries last a couple years, etc.

My approach doesn't require any special expertise in trades to make the estimates only that you are honest with yourself about your estimates.

I need to figure out the trade-offs and plan for the longer term!

It was very difficult for us to find a bank to refinance the deal and also difficult for us to procure a buyer for the condos we didn't want.The cap rates typically traded higher than a simple ownership interest. 

Ensure you have an emergency fund for vacancies or repairs and verify market trends to confirm the investment supports your long-term financial plan.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Yes, getting sued is a risk factor and I've been involved with frivolous lawsuits which are not fun, but in my opinion you'd be in a much better spot owning a property in your personal name that let's you keep an extra 10-20% of the purchase price in your pocket as emergency funds, as opposed to buying the loan under an LLC that requires every last penny you might have to make the higher down payment, then you have to operate on a shoestring.

@Erick HenningsHouston's emerging neighborhoods include East End, Third Ward, Heights, Spring Branch, Independence Heights, Alief, Cypress, Pearland, Richmond/Rosenberg, and Conroe/Woodlands.

They will try to cut the FED prime rate, increase tariffs, and shake up global trade.

For illustration purposes, it's quite normal to acquire a mix use building consisting of 9 residential units + 1 commercial space for less than a 9 unit multi-family building would trade in the equivalent location because the commercial space is an automatic disqualifier for many investors.