I do supply the 1" light-filtering miniblinds from Lowes (Project Source) - and yes, they get broken pretty easily, but I charge for their replacement on turnover if they are damaged, as @Kenneth Soles does.With the blinds installed, the units show better, create some opacity to thwart people trying to ascertain if the unit is vacant, and provide some privacy once the tenant moves in.

My local authorities allow STR once I get the necessary permits and business licenses.

Most can't do it because they are looking for quick money and don't want to do any work are aren't really in it to help people.

Down payment assistance is a benefit for people that are lacking a lot of money. 

I am trying to balance my overall portfolio and would like some advice on how people would balance this if they were in my shoes to in order to reduce risk and increase overall gains.I currently have 2 rental properties and 1 primary residence as well as cash and brokerage funds.My main questions I’m looking for thoughts on are…- What percentage would you keep in reserves?

As people started chasing yield, these prices rose too high in comparison to better vintage assets.It comes down to price, and your pro forma reflecting lower rents for these units.

I know some people from there living here interested in investing, me as well.

While a deposit is almost always preferable, you should make a common sense business decision based on the circumstances and condition of the property, in my opinion.

Please ignore anyone that chimes in that will say you only have to “intend” to live there for a year. 99.9999% of people who rent out their primwry home intended to rent it out when they bought it.

I am sure there will be other people bidding, I have enough to put down 10%.