California state lawmakers are grappling with a particularly 21st-century problem: What to do with the growing number of shopping malls and big-box retail stores left empty by consumers shifting their purchases to the web.

@Darshil Parikh I don't think we are in a bubble (that will pop), but I do think we're in a shift.

@Corey Frank I do think that there is a new allocation of cash towards real estate as folks who didn’t prioritize having space pre-COVID, now shift where their dollars are going.

My wife and I own 2 - 4 bed/4 bath townhomes in a college town in TX, but also have a desire to move into Short Term/Vacation rentals.I’m interested in hearing people’s thoughts on either making the shift or diversifying into the short term rental game.Thanks!

Then once you have that open the account at any bank, big banks have the process to open a business account easier, smaller banks do not have the process as streamlined.  

I have no experience with conversions into condos but getting the permitting, possible building code issues due to shift from multi family to individual condos, HOA setup docs, individual sales, managing your own units as your ownership fraction decreases, etc...

With the pandemic, the shift to remote working and low interest rates have only exacerbated the shortage and inflation.

Since the beginning of the pandemic we have seen a massive shift to the suburban/rural markets from major cities.

I really need to be there for the flip over each year (because that's when big stuff will be done) and we shifted to doing Christmas at their place now instead of mine so I can slip in while they're gone over Christmas to take a look-see and do any small projects I can get away with then lol. 

In addition to a mindset shift, you'll need- Education- Network- Action- Accountability.- It's noisy in the REI realm , it would not hurt to have your goals, niche and strategies written down.Your military career has positioned you to connect with future partners, that is your barrier to entry, leverage it.Best of luck.