One great tip is using move in fees vs deposits; move in fees go into your operating account & boost your bottom line, vs a deposit which sits in escrow until it's refunded.For the past two years, I have been focusing about 50/50 between real estate investing and my other profession as a health/life insurance broker.

(maybe a bunch, and that's great, I just don't know and I know Breck is seasonal)  In my experience it's common to get a burst of bookings when you first start out - your calendar is empty and the AirBNB/VRBO algorithms give you a little boost in search rankings so you can get things rolling.  

@Yvonne Chou In your scenario, I think the only way to boost your qualification is to purchasing 2-4 units.

At the heart of it, I would certainly encourage you to continue to learn and usually learning from people already doing it is the best method.

The good news is you can always argue you had a change of heart but I would wait at least a year or maybe even two years to start renting it out full time to make sure you don't get into legal trouble.

I'm a technologist at heart and have worked in the software industry for the past 10+ years.

I'll definitely do my best to give realtors a good name and take your advice to heart.

*WHEW*  I hope this lengthy explanation helps but the heart of it is that you can most certainly be approved with cash flowing properties.

And honestly if his heart isn't into tenant wars and there's no gain then I'd think about selling. 

Situated in the heart of a Class A neighborhood 4 blocks away from downtown St Pete and 3 blocks away from Tampa Bay.