It had a leaking roof, an old coal-fed furnace, and a host of other problems.

This list should be reviewed by anybody thinking about becoming an airbnb host!

Hi Lauren, I would lookout for one of the webinars biggerpockets hosts.

however I have gotten some great tips from "Optimize your Airbnb" by Daniel Rusteen, specifically I now use price labs, hospitable, and I just signed up for noiseaware; it hasn't been a problem for me, but some other hosts in my neighborhood have had issues with loud parties etc, so I want to stay on top of that. 

My property is a tonwhome (HOA allows STR) and I can see two or three units in the community currently hosting on ABNB in addition to me. 

A switch to a W-2 job may bring that consistency in monthly income - but will also bring with it a host of other schedule and stress-producing issues.

The backyard is amazing & a great location for hosting parties. 

Otherwise I would find the replacement costs for roof and hvac most importantly, maybe bundle water heater and all appliances in to one pile with a 6-10 year life span, carpet (4 year life span?).

I have begun hosting on Airbnb with an Airstream Glampsite so I feel I could demonstrate my ability to create a profitable unique stay. 

I have met a lot of great people at the monthly meetings, during educational events they host and during smaller subgroup meetings.