What tools or strategies are you using to stay ahead of the game?

Years ago I spent many months working in Indianapolis and staying at the Canal Street apartments. 

I'd personally say pulling your water heater out and replacing with a wall mount on demand one, would be worth the cost to have in unit washer dryer if you are staying there or renting it, it would be worth it.its always worth doing the big stuff well and correct even if you are cleaning up after someone, the long term hold always prevails, its just a little frustrating front sometimes, but hang in there!

You should reconsider looking for a property zoned for short term stays.

Now to provide extra comfort and convenience to our buyers (who are mostly out of state) we agree to help them out by getting them set up with local property management that we work with closely as well as assisting management market the property for rent to place tenants.

network with local agents to see where they took theres. but not much to it but go with who you feel comfortable with.

Generally if people are in town they stay with me till they have to go.Everyone wins.The downside is if you get a bad apple in the house it can and will spoil the entire bunch.

Time overcomes low cash flow to some degree... rents go up while your mortgage stays the same and your tenant pays down your mortgage.  

Pros - guaranteed rent, tenants stay longer on averageCons - more mgmt needed (lease violations), they tend to not take great care of properties (increase maintenance expense or deferred maintenance)

I will stay all in on STRs.