Of course, that is only if your intent is to hold it long term.If your goal is to unburden yourself from managing the property yourself, you do have options that offer degrees of hands free management. 

If they don't pay within the required timeframe, then I auction off the storage unit and wash my hands of it.

Starting sooner rather than later allows you to benefit from long-term appreciation, build equity, and gain hands-on experience, even with a smaller property.

They would do a stellar job helping you navigate and landing hand managing :)

Maintenance, We had a pool so I know first hand, you really need daily work on a pool. 

STRs can bring great returns but are higher risk and more hands-on, like small-cap stocks, while long-term rentals are stable and predictable, like large-cap investments.

I already have a hand shake deal on the next property, another duplex, that I will buy come summer time.  

I’m in home remodeling sales and work about 20-25 hours per week and off weekends, so I have a ton of time on my hand waiting around for appointments. 

It seems a traditional sale gobbles up half of it in closing costs.We refinanced early last year, and another refi would cost ~$5k, plus w/ the LTV, I don't think the numbers work out just right.Too bad we were too naive to even consider those offers when they were handed to us.

On the other hand, a hot tub might cost more but could yield a higher ROI in competitive or high-demand markets.Data-Driven Insights: I also use tools like AirDNA or PriceLabs to analyze local trends.