Now I sell IT/Telco to Real Estate/Property management companies.

I have used property managers in the past, but the relationship inevitably sours as they fail the very basic industry standards for managing property.

Bigger Pockets calculator asks the following:Purchase Price: 153,000closing costs 7650 (5%)20% down 30600Interest rate 6.5% 30 year loanRent $1330Property Taxes 451/yrInsurance 850/yrCapEx 5% ($66/month)Repairs 5% ($66/month)Vacancy 3% ($39/month)Management 8% ($106/month)Leave utilities blank assuming the tenant puts them in their name, BP calculator gives me 5.33% CoC ROI, which is better than what I originally did.

The pre-approval process and the actual loan process are only distantly related. 

I'm also looking to help owners manage their vacation rentals since I have experience as a remote self-managed owner.

As a hard money lender who works with many investors in the Portland area, I can share some insights on maintenance costs for multifamily properties in this market, though individual experiences may vary:Lots of investors report a slight decrease in maintenance costs during winter months, bc of:- Fewer landscaping needs - Less wear and tear on HVAC systems (as heating is generally less intensive than summer cooling)- Reduced tenant turnover in winterWinter-specific issues can arise:- Potential roof repairs due to heavy rain or occasional snow- Gutter cleaning and maintenance to prevent water damage- Heating system repairs or maintenancePortland-specific factors:- The mild climate helps reduce extreme weather-related maintenance issues. - Older housing stock in some areas may require more upkeep. - Strict local regulations can also sometimes increase compliance-related maintenance costsCost-saving strategies I've seen help:- Preventative maintenance programs can help reduce overall costs obviously - Some investors report success with in-house maintenance teams for larger portfolios- Energy-efficient upgrades can help reduce utility costs in the long runYour specific costs will depend on factors like the age and condition of your properties, your management style, and the specific neighborhoods you're invested in, but hope this helps!

This separation helps in maintaining clear financial records and simplifies tax reporting and financial management.Setting up an escrow account specifically for rental income within your LLC can offer several benefits:Financial Clarity: It separates rent payments from other operational expenses, making it easier to track income and expenses related to the rental property.Legal and Compliance: Helps in demonstrating that rental income is kept distinct from personal or other business funds, which can be important for legal and tax compliance purposes.Tenant Transparency: It provides transparency to tenants and other stakeholders regarding where rental payments are deposited and how they are managed.While it may not be a legal requirement in all cases, maintaining an escrow account specifically for rental income is a prudent practice that many experienced investors and landlords follow.

So, as a technology entrepreneur, I got to wondering if there's a way to research, acquire, and manage my deals more easily using the power of artificial intelligence (AI) or some other internet software.I have an idea of what I think I need to build, but before I build it, I would appreciate some feedback from this community: What's the hardest (or most frustrating) part of real estate investing for you?

No management or vacancy expense? 

I'm hoping to be able to find a home nearby that I can manage and rent by the room or house hack like I have been doing.