In Gary Keller’s book, Shift, he lists 25 creative options that are most common, but barely scratch the surface:- Seller Contributions- Seller-Funded Permanent Buydown- Seller-Funded Temporary Buydown- Owner Financing- Contract For Deed- Seller Second Lease Option And Lease Purchase- Seller-Assisted Down Payment- Wraparound And Assumable Mortgage- Gift Funding- Selling And Refinancing Existing Assets- Non-Occupied Co-Borrowers- Using 401(K)- Temporary IRA Transfer- Pledged Asset Mortgage- Equity Transfer And Bridge Loan- Employer-Assisted Mortgage- Lender-Funded Buydown- Fannie Mae’s “My Community Mortgage”- Running Scenarios With Automated Underwriting Systems- Adjusting Amortization Period To Lower Payment- Adjusting Interest Rates To Cover Closing Costs- State, Province, And Local Grant Or Bond Programs- Mortgage Credit Certificate- Private LendingHe said these options barely scratch the surface.

My unit's lease started mid-month so I turned on collection for the pro-rated rent (which would've come out to $835 for the remainder of the start month) and security deposit.

The Pro membership is ideally for investors, giving them the tools they need on their journey like calculators, landlord forms and discounts.

Know how and who is going to manage, speak with local PM companies (if not self managed) do some due diligence on projections, nightly rates and optimally visit (if haven't already) the areas you're exploring investing in.

Plus you might have a good rate compared to todays market.

Not a "hey let's read everything" journey, no, pick a strategy, get THAT highly rated "how-to" book. 

Have to look for a lender who will get you closed, good rates and a clean process.

The prospects for appreciation are limited (probably below the inflation rate), your tenant pool sucks to manage from out of state, your risk is high because you don't know what the heck you're doing - none of us did on the first go; that's not personal - and your flippant verbiage is treating this more like trading stocks than buying property. 

Location, property condition and amenities can cause a wide range of rental rates for similar layouts (2 bed 2 bath for example).

The reason I am trying to get these prices is because I hear the going rate from contractors for a high end retail flip right now for a whole kitchen is about $5,000 to $6,000.