There are lots of rental solutions out there changing things fast, and I think google is even funding one (think cozy, etc)....actually, I like that the business model on a small scale can be pretty simple and low tech (I don't need to know how to code!)....

Be sure to look for a firm with a fee-for service model, not an asset value based model.

Be sure to look for a firm with a fee-for service model, not an asset value based model.  

You can take your NOI or NI from each year you held the investment and put them into an IRR model in an excel spreadsheet.

There are some other sites that provide that type of information as well.Beyond that, you'll need to have a bit more information as to the area and the regulations on STR, etc.While it is a different model than taking a standard renter, I think you'll find that if you do your homework and set up good systems for its operation, it can well be worth the extra legwork.Are you local to the property?

We are looking to go after a similar model to buy rental rehabs, and hold/rent for cashflow.

But we like the college student rental model and may pursue it more in the future.

I see the infinite leverage model that has been touted by so many, and I think it is flawed on so many levels. 

This discussion reminds me of the story of Paul Feldman, a cubicle-imprisoned bureaucrat in Washington DC who escaped by starting a Bagel & cream cheese /doughnut delivery service in various office buildings around and including his former employer.  

I'm not an expert on that end, I just owned 6 of them :) The franchisor has different models and demographics they look for.