The comp house will likely be owner occupied by a couple, both with professional jobs. 

They e-mail me their background check from the hospital, or I have them complete one through tenantbackgroundcheck.com. 

Look for professionals who understand the unique needs of real estate investors.

Having reasonable expectations, hiring a local professional (Realtor or PM), doing your research, and doing everything right (i.e. pro photos, professional design, good renovation, proper amenities and location, etc) are the keys to success in 2025.

It is important that you hire professionals who have experience working with foreign investors.

However, short term rentals are much less passive than long term rentals and are essentially a hospitality business, which is in and of itself required a whole additional layer of knowledge and expertise.With regard to your question about private lenders, it’s important to draw a distinction in terminology between “private” and “hard money.”

Quote from @Polat Caglayan: What do professional investors think about Detroit's course and future? 

@Madison SloanTo start house hacking, focus on saving for your down payment, researching target markets like Salt Lake City or North Idaho, and building a strong team of professionals, including an agent and lender.

Professional tenants can smell an opportunity from a new landlord from a mile a way. 

Readers should seek professional advice.