.- Underwrite the property to breakeven or small positive cash flow as a standalone long-term rental to a single tenant.

Lastly, they don't get a hit on their taxes until they receive their money, which is a benefit to the seller that is easily over looked. 

Porsha,Homestyle is a great program fairly simple in terms of guide lines and not hard to get approved.

He has given some big-picture ideas that I have taken action on, much to my benefit. 

I am buying SFR long term rentals personally.

I think the benefit of a mini split system over a central are the energy efficiency the offer, the individual control over zone cooling/heating, simpler maintenance, quite operation.In the end it comes down to what makes sense in your situation, but I will say that there is a lot of fear mongering among a lot of HVAC companies to push people to either central systems or if they do mini splits, then into the higher priced systems. 

Two questions...1) About to bring a STR online in the next two weeks and am looking for some advice as this will be my first STR. 2) Specifics on the current STR cost seg. tax benefit?

towel bar bracing, door stoppers, easier to access and adjust plumbing, will all make long term rentals easier.Best of Luck!

We had a primary and secondary residence and a long term rental when we purchased a vacation property in Punta Cana in 2016 to also use as a vacation rental when we weren't there.  

the returns are long term.