House hacking is the most powerful way to get started in real estate investing, and it sets you up for success because you learn so many things: dealing with contractors, how to screen tenants, lease negotiation, but most importantly, your goal should be to reduce or eliminate your housing cost, and there are a lot of ways to do with house hacking depending on your flexibility with strategy: rent by room, Section 8, mid-term rental, STR, etc, and you can combine multiple strategies too. 

A good private money lender should be transparent about terms and fees, have a solid track record and experience in real estate, and demonstrate flexibility in tailoring loan options to meet your needs.

Generally, private lenders offer more flexibility and lower fees than hard money lenders.

However, there are some challenges to keep in mind:Regulatory Variations: Regulations can vary widely between locations and are constantly evolving.Active Management: STRs require more hands-on management for guest turnover and communication.Additional Costs: Don’t forget about expenses for furnishings, cleaning, and possibly hiring a property manager.If you’re looking for STR-friendly areas, consider these locations, as others can be too expensive to consider, such as Snowmass Village or Aspen:Breckenridge: The most visited ski resort in North America, attracting around 3 million tourists each year.Steamboat Springs: A popular year-round destination for winter sports and summer activities.Keystone: Great for those wanting a less crowded resort experience.Divide & Florissant: Charming mountain towns close to Colorado Springs.Fairplay: Just 30 minutes south of Breckenridge, with an impressive 82% Airbnb occupancy rate.Cripple Creek: A former mining town now known for casinos and outdoor activities.Park County: Very Airbnb-friendly, though regulations may change.Here are some strategies to help you succeed in the STR market:Hybrid Model: Consider using some units for STRs and others for long-term rentals to balance income.Research Local Regulations: Always check the current rules in your target areas before investing.Year-Round Appeal: Focus on locations that attract visitors in all seasons.Quality Furnishings: Invest in quality to justify higher nightly rates and attract better guests.Dynamic Pricing: Use pricing strategies to maximize revenue during peak seasons while maintaining occupancy in the off-season.Stay Flexible: Be ready to adapt your strategy as the market and regulations change.While Colorado’s STR market offers exciting opportunities, it’s essential to approach it strategically.

Private lenders typically offer more flexibility than traditional financing, which is great when you're just starting out.

Hi Erin, I work for a property management company in Milwaukee, Wi, and here are some thoughts to consider: Vacation rentals- Pros: Higher Income Potential due to tourists, Flexibility, Shorter Tenant CommitmentCons: Inconsistent Income depending on demand and time of year, More Management Required, Wear and Tear because of constant turnoverLong-term rentals- Pros: Stable Income, Lower Management Effort, Predictable Expenses, Less Wear and TearCons: Long-term commitment (this can be pro or con depending on the tenant), Market Dependence The choice between vacation rentals and long-term rentals largely depends on your financial goals, management capacity, and the property’s location.

Do you prioritize competitive rates, flexible terms, or quick approvals when securing funding?

**Flexible Underwriting**: Many DSCR loan programs offer flexible underwriting, allowing investors to qualify with lower credit scores or unconventional income documentation, making it easier to secure financing compared to traditional loans.4.

Seller financing can be a great way to sell a property while offering flexible terms and potentially earning a higher return than traditional investments.

Airbnb has several options to choose from (Flexible, Moderate, Firm, Strict and Super Strict).