(these numbers are just furnishing & setup costs, they exclude house purchase & closing costs)

Explore my personal favorites, Set For Life by Scott Trench or The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, for invaluable financial insights.3.

Hi @Shawn Good my wife and I are in a similar position and would like to buy a STR in the fox lake area that we could also have for personal use as well.

I personally don’t like either  and don’t trust all tenants to use appropriately.

Highest bigger means your over paying for the house so I would encourage you to start this weekend.

You don't need to have an agent (although that would be great, but it's not a good use of their time until you are pre-approved and ready) because there are Open Houses every weekend in every market.

My parents investment LLC used 1031 exchange money to buy a house that I want to put in my personal name so I can file a PRE exemption. 

Like you said, many roads in that area of Lehigh are unpaved or very run-down, and I personally don't see that changing in the near future.I would definitely be happy to further discuss numbers, decent vendors, and current inventory with you for our market, just let me know!

Personally, I like to do the work myself to make the money for myself.

Even if you have to visit $1k for a day trip, go and walk the area, meet the PM/Realtor/contractor in person.