As a short-term rental property manager in Massachusetts, I charge a 20% co-hosting fee, which includes full-service management—guest communication, vendor coordination, cleaner oversight, and overall property operations.I've seen competitors charge anywhere from 10% to 30%, but lower-cost managers often cut corners, while higher-end services may not always justify the price.

I price higher in other months so the lower occupancy doesn't hurt.Would love success stories on how to really attract.  

You’ll learn the ropes on how to be a landlord with a lower risk/higher quality tenant-base. 

.$150 x 12 months = $1,800If you put $45,000 into real estate as a down payment, you are looking at a 4% cash on cash return.I would consider this decent.If you put $20,000 into the deal, the cash on cash return is higher and its better.If you put $200,000 into the deal, the cash on cash return is lower and considered worse.However, cash on cash return is not the only return you should consider, you should also consider appreciation.My benchmark is trying to achieve atleast an 8% return between appreciation and cash flow.Best of luck!

The house I will get is in a lower income area, currently worth $95-100k, and she still owes about $25k on it.

Since new builds require upfront capital, you might not see immediate returns, but lower maintenance costs and higher rents typically make up for it long term.If you're serious about scaling with BTR, make sure you connect with experienced builders, property managers, and lenders who understand the strategy.

Typically, higher income areas have lower crime, more amenities, better schools.  

And you get feedback at a level high enough to determine how to proceed. 

Your main concern should be whether these bedrooms and bathrooms on the lower level are legal and have the proper egress require for fire code and livability.

the midwest has lower price points than other areas of the US, sure, but it also comes with its own challenges - for example, very old housing stock, lots of deferred maintenance, and tremendous demand for the best properties."