In my market it seems the higher-quality renters want interaction.

We've found it has superior reporting features, integration features, and is overall more efficient to work within than other REI-specific software.The downside is QBO is not set up for REI so you'll need to do that or work with an expert to ensure it is set up for your business appropriately.

@Tyler Gilpin When you say "does pretty well", is that more of a commentary on the quality of the tenant (aka "lack of damages to your property") or the timeliness of payments (either via HUD or the tenant's portions)?

Are their listings detailed with good-quality photos?

Looking back 10 years this complex had dues increase for most years at around 3% but for 2023 it was 18% and 2024 19%. 30+ year old complexes really start wearing down and many times were not the highest quality construction.

Quality contractors already have their plate full . 

Defaults and Remedies A default exists under this note if (1) Borrower defaults in the payment of this note or in the performance of any obligation in any instrument securing or collateral to this note; (2) (a) Borrower or (b) any other person liable on any part of this note (an "Other Obligated Party") fails to timely pay or perform any obligation or covenant in any written agreement between Lender and Borrower or any Other Obligated Party other than as described in (1) above; (3) any representation in this note or in any other written agreement between Lender and Borrower or any Other Obligated Party is materially false when made; (4) a receiver is appointed for Borrower or an Other Obligated Party or any property on which a lien or security interest is created as security (the "Collateral Security") for any part of this note; (5) any Collateral Security is assigned for the benefit of creditors; (6) a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding is commenced by Borrower, a partnership of which Borrower is a general partner, or an Other Obligated Party; (7) (a) a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding is commenced against Borrower, a partnership of which Borrower is a general partner, or an Other Obligated Party and (b) the proceeding continues without dismissal for sixty days, the party against whom the proceeding is commenced admits the material allegations of the petition against it, or an order for relief is entered; (8) Borrower, a partnership of which Borrower is a general partner, or an Other Obligated Party is terminated, begins to wind up its affairs, or is authorized to terminate or wind up its affairs by its governing body or persons, or any event occurs or condition exists that permits the termination or winding up of the affairs of Borrower, a partnership of which Borrower is a general partner, or an Other Obligated Party; or (9) any Collateral Security is impaired by loss, theft, damage, levy and execution, issuance of an official writ or order of seizure, or destruction, unless it is promptly replaced with collateral security of like kind and quality or restored to its former condition.

The quality of work on prefab is not great, but easily sufficient for rentals.  

Throw in some extra costs like moving expenses, professional photos (a cost the STR PM may also need to pay depending on the quality of the existing photos), renter's and lessor's insurance and a listing on furnishedfinder to round out some of the start-up costs.

@Hector Espinosa While cap rates can vary widely from one market/city to another and from one type and class of property to another (and based on the quality of the tenant), I did a quick search on LoopNet for MF properties currently for sale in SD and most "asking prices" suggest cap rates in the 4%-5% range.