Hi Natalie, MTR's do seem to be struggling if that is the only focus for a property.

It’s inexpensive to provide but can make a big impact.Comfortable Bedding: Investing in high-quality mattresses, pillows, and linens improves the guest experience and leads to better reviews, which can boost occupancy rates.Smart TV or Streaming Services: Offering Netflix, Hulu, or similar services is a low-cost way to enhance guest entertainment and stay competitive.Fully Stocked Kitchen: A well-equipped kitchen with basic appliances and utensils appeals to families and long-term guests, saving them money on dining out.Dedicated Workspace: If your property caters to remote workers, adding a small desk and ergonomic chair can set your listing apart.Outdoor Spaces: If your property allows, an outdoor seating area, fire pit, or hot tub can significantly increase your nightly rate and attract more bookings.Energy-Efficient Features: Guests appreciate eco-friendly options like LED lighting, smart thermostats, or solar panels, especially in eco-conscious markets.Keyless Entry: A smart lock is a relatively small investment but offers convenience and security, which many guests value.If you’re deciding on amenities to add, it’s always a good idea to research your local market.

Let the agent know that while you’re interested, the property’s condition and local comps don’t justify the asking price.Taking a warm, conversational approach can make negotiations smoother and improve your chances of getting the deal.

Say my original loan was $500K, my cost basis with improvements is $1M and I cash out refinance with a $1M loan (can I include the interest of the new loan into cost basis since it’s reimbursing me my cost basis)?

In other words, not resold to the government so the bank had more flexibility on the condition.I look at the original commitment letter and it states "xxx amount will be advanced at closing for the purchase of an investment property, and the remaining balance of the loan to be placed into an escrow account to be disbursed as improvements are made".No points, and only one closing, so I don't have to deal with a short term HML that I have to refinance in under a year.Hope that helps!

🙌 I love your focus on helping others achieve financial freedom through real estate – that's what it's all about!

If you're getting started, I'd suggest focusing on single-family homes in growth areas with strong population trends—let me know if you need help finding the right deal!

So far, it’s going really well, and I’m glad we made the shift.For me, the decision wasn’t about issues with self-managing but more about freeing up time and mental space to focus on the next steps in our investing journey.Curious to hear others’ experiences as well!

Private Money or Hard Money LoanHow it works: Short-term loans from private or hard money lenders to purchase the lot and finance the construction.Benefits: Easier approval and faster processing, focusing on the property value rather than your income.Downside: Higher interest rates and shorter loan terms (typically 6-18 months).

It's about avoiding speculation and focusing on fundamentals.Why I think is it so powerful?