Now you are saying you have no experience owning/operating an STR, that's another hit.  

This experience proves that even with challenges, strategic renovations and persistence can lead to a profitable outcome.

However, I wouldn't expect to be able to do many of these deals without quite a bit of experience.  

To maximize my cashflow and gain landlording experience, I’d do STR and MTR in the other units, as well as the other bedrooms in my unit.

Can you send me a link and/explain from either personal experience or an example of when you seen that happen.  

Do you have experience with other rentals?

Figure out a question set that helps dive into their expertise as investor-friendly agents, ask about their experience in the investment real estate space, and have them send you a few properties that could meet your goals to show that they can provide quality properties for your to analyze (hint: this is also good to see if they overpromised on their market [ex - Raleigh for cash flow]).Also with the new lawsuit, any agent that knows what they're doing will require you to sign an agency agreement prior to viewing a home.

@Duarte MarquesPossibly but highly not recommendedFor those with no real estate experience or experience in taking on debt, it’s not easyTo do it also with little to no down payment or reserves in most occasions will end in disasterReminds me of when in high school a friend used to let his dog drive his car.

The best way to get experience is to do the thing.

I can't say when that will be but 4.125 is quite a lot depending on the rate you get.I personally want a hassle free funding experience and the lower rate.