Some agents have access to off market properties. #2 Sometimes it's an elderly person who has a lot of equity and who's taken care of the property but they want to sell without putting in upgrades (quartz countertops, new kitchen and bath).

I suggest going to the Moorhead Meetups in Austin, There are a ton of BiggerPockets investors, and they are hosted by @Jordan Moorhead, who is an investor-friendly agent in the Austin market. 

I live now in Colorado and have a 1031 agent in place.

The agent stated "I did include some coverage for vandalism/burglary which are optional, however, just want to make sure you are covered in the event of a loss." 

Find an agent in the area that knows STRs. 

You can consider being an investor friendly agent and buying rentals along the way.

As an investor and agent here in Columbus Ohio, if you have any questions or want to connect, definitely reach out! 

Your boyfriend can be listed as an alternate contact or agent for the landlord, but they should not be listed as the landlord because they have no legal rights to the property.

As an active investor and agent in New York and New Jersey - let me say, I've "seen this movie" before. 2001 - 9/11 - New York is dead2008 - Global Financial Crisis - New York is dead2020 - COVID - New York is deadWell, turns out New York came back each and every time.

I am a licensed agent since 2002 and work in the Staten Island, NY area along with Brooklyn.