This is my 3rd tour in Germany and I am also seeking to purchase rental property here as well.Finally, I am planning to do my first house hack upon my return to Baltimore next year.

Im super well versed in the insurance side of things but not the investment property process -- i would love to connect with anyone who needs help with insurance and can help me start out too :) 

I'm on the west side of Elgin,IL and plan to make my first buy south or southwest of here.

I'm wondering if we should get the Lowe's 3-year protection plan with it.

Especially with STR, you need things fixed ASAP, can't wait on warranty claims to get processed.  

I am in escrow on my first out-of-state rental property in northern Texas and the next step in the process is to get landlord insurance.

My plan is to house hack a duplex by using the equity in my current single family house to fund the down payment.

There's nothing wrong with fixing something that is broken, but you shouldn't be making improvements to things that are clean, safe, and functional and that were fully observed by the tenant during the showing process.

Just make sure you do thorough research and financial planning.

Have a plan and target property, and be ready to buy.