I think it's reasonable to use AirDnA to evaluate a general market, but I would never recommend using it to evaluate a house because there are too many things a computer can't consider: home layout, view out the living room window, noise levels, quality of kitchen cabinets, and dozens of other considerations.

I actually bought a second condo, same property, same layout, everything, for $49k as a rental.

My plan would be to rent the whole 1st floor or 2nd floor (depending on house layout) exclusively as STRs. 

FlipPilot looks very intriguing and I really like their layout and how easy it is to see what status each lead is currently in.www.flippilot.com FreedomSoft offers a ton of integrated features such as built in document signing, automated text and email campaigns, an offer Bot etc.www.freedomsoft.com If anyone is currently using FreedomSoft I would love to hear your feedback.

there is this romanticism that this is the best way to get into the business when you have limited funds.. the mortality rate  is in the upper 90s the only one who really makes any money is the yellow letter guys  LOL>you see it all the time  I want to " start by wholesaling so I can get some cash so I can then become a buy and hold investor"  @Kyle Conrad  If you want to do this just go right to the horses mouth.. go to the state department of real estate or whatever its called there and talk to an one of the investigators or who ever will talk to you lay out your game plan and ask them if a license is required.. those are the folks with the last word. 

Given our geographic layout, with the mountains to the East and the Puget Sound to the West, expansion can only go North or South. 

Paying down your principal faster is a bit counter intuitive to the REI growth phase.

Finishings and layout play a huge factor.

We replumbed the house to accept tradition floor mount toilets, tiled all the bathrooms, replaced bathtubs, changed kitchen layout and retiled kitchen floor and counters, repainted the entire interior of the house (bought a professional airless paint sprayer) and replaced all carpet.

do you change the entire home structure/layout and apply new permit to give value add to the house ?