If the negative cash flow is manageable and the appreciation potential is strong, it could be a smart move.On the other hand, investing out of state allows you to enter more affordable markets with strong, steady returns, helping you to build a diverse portfolio over time.

If there’s a significant difference, it might justify the cost of adding more beds.For example, we manage a 4BD property where one bedroom is currently locked off, so it only sleeps 6 (1 king, 2 queen).

As for the rest of it, you can find a lot of useful tips on past forum posts along with podcasts and youtube material on the topic (BP and other RE sources).We've self managed STRs for a few years.

You would have to self-manage though, as paying a property manager will eat up most of your profits.

I have 3 homes managed by a property manager.

I'd recommend working with a good strong property manager that lives in that area that can check on them.

Here's the deal:Purchase Price (PP): $95kRenovation Budget (via HML): $60kTotal All-In Cost: $155kARV (After Repair Value): Around $200kRefinance (via DSCR Loan): 7% interest, 30-year fixedRefinance Details:After the refi, I will pay back the Hard Money Loan (HML) at 11.95% with 3 points:HML: $60,000Interest/fees: $3,585Other costs: $1,800Total to pay back HML: $65,385After the refi, I will have $84,615 left in cash.Cash Flow & Expenses:Expected Rent Income: $1,700/monthProperty Management (PM): $126/monthInsurance: $100/monthTaxes: $126/monthMortgage: $1,043.75/monthTotal Expenses: $1,395.75/monthSo my monthly cash flow is about:$1,700 - $1,395.75 = $304.25/month in cash flow.Return on Investment:Cash Invested After Refi: About $18,385 (after paying off HML and closing costs).Annual Cash Flow: $304.25 * 12 = $3,651Cash-on-Cash Return (CoC): $3,651 / $18,385 = 19.8%I didn’t account for maintenance costs since it’s a full gut rehab, and everything is brand new.

I think the LLC also makes it easier to open a local bank account, which is convenient to pay utilities or other local bills or your property manager, etc.  

If the repairs are manageable and you’re getting at least a 10-15% discount, it can be a great deal—but avoid properties with major structural failure or uncooperative sellers.

It makes lead management way more efficient since they get to focus on people who actually want to do business.