I’m moving out of the house soon and will be living rent-free with my wife at my parents' place in the Bay Area due to some recent life changes.Here’s a breakdown of my situation:Location: Sacramento, CA (4 bed, 2 bath, recently renovated)Current mortgage payment: $3,940/month (including escrow)Mortgage balance: $475,000Current home value: $515,000 - $535,000 (based on comps)Rental estimate: Property management companies are quoting $2,600/month (with fridge/washer/dryer included), but some websites suggest it could go for up to $3,000/month.Planned budget:$540/month for capital expenditures and maintenance$100/month for lawn careTenant to cover utilities (gas, electricity, water)7.5% vacancy rateWe bought the house thinking it would be our forever home, but with our current situation, I’m trying to figure out the best long-term plan.

nor is vacancy. 

Rentometer can be handy here.Vacancy Rates: High vacancy can be a red flag.

See the chart from Fair Isaac Company (FICO) below: FICO Score Pct of Population Default Probability 800 or more 13.00% 1.00% 750-799 27.00% 1.00% 700-749 18.00% 4.40% 650-699 15.00% 8.90% 600-649 12.00% 15.80% 550-599 8.00% 22.50% 500-549 5.00% 28.40% Less than 499 2.00% 41.00% Source: Fair Isaac CompanyAccording to this chart, investors should use corresponding vacancy+tenant-nonperformance factors of approximately 5% for Class A rentals, 10% for Class B and 20% for Class C.To address Class C payment challenges, many industry "experts" are now selling programs to newbie investors about how Section 8 tenants are the cure.

The primary motivators in retaining it and dipping our toes into the rental space are: 2.50% APR and sufficient margin to cover maintenance/capex/vacancy based on "recommended percentages of gross rent."

National vacancy rates have remained flat in the first half of 2024, following a 90-basis-point increase last year, with major metro areas showing particular resilience.

I'm making $1000 per month and $800 per month respectively after accounting for vacancy. 

Research vacancy rates, average rent prices, and future development plans in the area.good luck! 

The idea of guaranteeing rent regardless of vacancy is super appealing!

One of my friends is also thinking about that but what I am concerning is how about the vacancy rate for the STR and MTR?